Consulate General of India

Birgunj, Nepal

Consulate General of India
Birgunj (Nepal)

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Press Release

The Consulate General of India in Birgunj organized  “Indo-Nepal Tourism Meet” on September 20, 2023, at Chitwan MidTown Resort, Bharatpur. The program was aimed at promoting bilateral tourism and overcoming difficulties faced by tourists from both sides and liaising between government and private agencies in this regard. 

2. Shri Pukar Maharjan, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Cooperatives of Bagmati Pradesh was the chief guest. Chief Administrative Officer of Bharatpur Metropolitan City;  Advisor-National Tourism Advisory Council, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Indian Forest Service -Field Director, Valmiki Tiger Project;  Representative of Chitwan National Park;  Representative of Parsa National Park;  representatives of Hotels and Tour Operators from India and Nepal presented their views during the discussion. 

3. Consul General Shri Nitesh Kumar emphasized the importance of tourism for both the countries. India is the largest source country of tourism in Nepal. Nepalese economy's dependence on tourism can not be over emphasized. Visa-free regime between the two countries increases the cross-border tourism between India and Nepal. Events like these are aimed at nudging all the stakeholders to popularize the touristic destinations in both the countries and resolve the difficulties faced by various stakeholders including the tourists. 

4. The linkage of Chitwan National Park, Parsa National Park and Valmiki Tiger Reserve was highlighted by the speakers. It was noted that the tourist destinations in India and Nepal are linked by Ramayana, Buddha and Jain Circuits. The focus was on promoting tourism destinations in both the countries with emphasis on  Bagmati Pradesh and East and West Champaran districts of Bihar. Need for establishing a Help Desk at the border to facilitate tourists was also discussed. The Minister agreed to look into the matter of improving and streamlining collections of road taxes and other taxes from Indian vehicles in Nepal. He further assured the participants that the points raised were duly noted and appropriate actions will be taken to overcome the issues. 

September 21, 2023

Birgunj (Nepal)

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