On 17th February in 2018, a delegation for “Regional Workshop for the Revival of Buddhist Tourism” embarked on a transformative journey with a singular mission: for sharing ideas and experiences with Pakistani tou operators and government officials to revive and promote Buddhist tourism of Pakistan at the invitation of World Bank and UNESCO. Led by the visionary Mr. Bikram Pandey, the delegation, including esteemed individuals like Achyut Guragain, Vice President of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents(NATTA), Sarad Pradhan, Media Chief from Nepal Tourism Board, Manoranjan Sharma, senior journalist from Lumbini Province and Chandra Thapa, President of NATTA Regional Chapter, Lumbini Province ventured to Pakistan.
Amidst the ancient ruins and hallowed grounds of Taksha Shila, Mr. Bikram Pandey's vision crystallized. He proposed Mr. Guragain the idea of organizing the Buddhist International Tourism Market (BITM) in Nepal, recognizing the potential to foster tourism in Nepal. With unwavering determination, Mr. Achyut Guragain pledged to champion this cause, promising to rally support from his colleagues and counterparts.
Fast forward to January 11th, 2019 – a historic day for Nepal's tourism landscape. The inaugural BITM unfolded under the auspices of NATTA, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of Buddhist tourism. The event garnered widespread acclaim and laid the foundation for future endeavors. Encouraged by its success, BITM returned in 2023, further solidifying its position as a premier platform for fostering cultural exchange and economic growth.
However, because of the lukewarm response from the travel trade Community and government agencies to carry it out forward, Bikram Pandey has coined the idea of BWTM to promote and market Buddhis tourism of Nepal further in Buddhist market. Now, as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Buddhist World Tourism Market (BWTM), Mr. Bikram Pandey stands at the helm of a new chapter in Nepal's tourism narrative. With a vision to elevate Nepal's profile on the global stage, he envisions BWTM as a beacon of collaboration and innovation, harnessing the power of the private sector to translate ideas into tangible actions.
As we embark on this journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to bridging cultures, building connections, and fostering mutual understanding. Through BWTM, we invite you to join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of Buddhist heritage and exploring the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
Our story is one of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. Together, let us continue to write the next chapter in Nepal's tourism story, one that transcends borders and leaves an indelible mark on the world stage.