HAI Nepal Tourism Drive Boosts Bilateral Travel in New Delhi
HAI Nepal tourism initiative sees participation in New Delhi program, strengthening India–Nepal hospitality ties and cross-border travel opportunities.
nishathapa 
New Delhi, April 29, 2026: The Hotel Association of India (HAI) participated in the Nepal Tourism Promotion Program held in New Delhi, reinforcing its role in strengthening cross-border tourism and hospitality collaboration between India and Nepal. The initiative was organised by the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) in partnership with the Embassy of Nepal and supported by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
The programme brought together stakeholders from both countries’ hospitality sectors, focusing on enhancing tourism linkages and unlocking opportunities across leisure, wedding, and experiential travel segments. The engagement highlights growing institutional cooperation aimed at supporting regional tourism-led development.
Industry participation and B2B engagement
The event featured active participation from leading Indian hotel groups, including Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group, and Lemon Tree Hotels, which joined business-to-business sessions designed to foster partnerships and collaboration. These interactions connected hospitality operators with Nepal-based stakeholders, particularly in areas such as destination weddings and high-value leisure travel.
The programme also included presentations showcasing Nepal’s tourism offerings, with a focus on its positioning as a destination for experiential and premium travel. The initiative sought to align hospitality stakeholders around shared goals of increasing cross-border travel flows and diversifying tourism products.
Strengthening India–Nepal hospitality ties
HAI’s participation reflects a broader effort to deepen cooperation between the hospitality industries of India and Nepal. The association emphasised the importance of institutional partnerships in facilitating tourism growth and supporting regional economic integration.
Speaking on the occasion, KB Kachru, President of HAI and Chairman – South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, stated that the engagement represents a step forward in strengthening ties between the two countries’ hospitality sectors. The collaboration is expected to support long-term growth by encouraging knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, and increased investment in tourism infrastructure.
Leadership representation and key remarks
The HAI delegation was led by Secretary General M. P. Bezbaruah and Deputy Secretary General Charulata Sukhija, who represented the association during official sessions and discussions. Bezbaruah highlighted the evolving dynamics of the Indian travel market, noting increasing disposable income and a shift towards experiential and sustainable tourism.
He also pointed to Nepal’s strategic opportunity to leverage these trends by positioning itself as a preferred destination for Indian travellers seeking curated experiences. The discussions underscored the importance of aligning tourism offerings with changing consumer expectations, particularly in segments such as leisure and destination weddings.
Bilateral discussions and future collaboration
On the sidelines of the programme, HAI and HAN conducted bilateral discussions to explore avenues for continued collaboration. These talks focused on strengthening industry engagement, facilitating knowledge sharing, and identifying opportunities for joint promotion of tourism between the two countries.
The Nepal delegation, led by HAN President Binayak Shah, included key representatives from the country’s hospitality sector. The interaction aimed to build on existing cultural and economic ties, with both sides expressing commitment to sustained cooperation.
The initiative comes at a time when regional tourism is gaining momentum, driven by improving connectivity, rising demand for cross-border travel, and increasing interest in culturally rich destinations. The programme reflects a coordinated effort to position India and Nepal as complementary tourism markets, leveraging shared heritage and proximity to attract a broader base of travellers.
HAI’s involvement signals continued engagement from India’s hospitality industry in regional tourism initiatives, with a focus on fostering partnerships that support long-term growth and diversification of travel offerings across South Asia.
