Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari today described tourism as a vital bridge of friendship between the two neighbouring countries, emphasising its role in strengthening people-to-people connectivity, cultural understanding and bilateral cooperation.

"Geography makes us neighbours, but it is travel and tourism that makes us friends," he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Agargaon here.

The ambassador said tourism had played a significant role in bringing the people of Nepal and Bangladesh closer, creating opportunities for cultural exchanges, business partnerships and stronger bilateral relations.

Highlighting growing tourism exchanges, Bhandari said approximately 60,000 Bangladeshi tourists visit Nepal annually, with the number showing an upward trend.

"We have about 60,000 Bangladeshi tourists visiting Nepal every year, according to the current data, and the trend is increasing," he said.

Expressing optimism about future prospects, the envoy hoped the growing trend would continue, with more travellers visiting each other's countries and contributing to closer friendship and economic cooperation.

Bhandari said international tourism exhibitions like BTTF provided important opportunities to bring together tourism stakeholders from different countries, strengthen business networks and promote people-to-people contacts.

He announced that Nepal was participating as one of the partner countries in the fair with a 25-member delegation representing its tourism industry.

The ambassador encouraged Bangladeshi and international tour operators, travel agencies and tourism entrepreneurs to engage with the Nepalese delegation to explore business opportunities and develop stronger partnerships.

He said such interactions could contribute to expanding tourism exchanges and building sustainable commercial relationships between the two countries.

Highlighting the transformative power of travelling, Bhandari said tourism offered opportunities not only to explore different destinations, cultures and communities but also to gain a deeper understanding of oneself.

"Travel gives an opportunity not just to explore cities, places, villages and countries, but also to explore yourself," he said.

Referring to Nepal's majestic mountains and the natural beauty of both countries, the ambassador said travelling could provide unique experiences of self-discovery and appreciation of nature.

Speaking briefly in Bangla, Bhandari said any discussion of Nepal-Bangladesh relations would remain incomplete without mentioning tourism.

He described tourism as an important bond connecting the two nations and stressed the indispensable role of tour operators and travel entrepreneurs in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The ambassador expressed confidence that the fair would help expand tourism partnerships, strengthen business networks and bring the people of Nepal and Bangladesh closer together.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury inaugurated the 14th edition of BTTF as the chief guest.

Organised by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) under the theme "AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination", the three-day exhibition will continue until October 31.

The fair features participation from 16 countries, including Bangladesh, bringing together tour operators, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and other tourism stakeholders to promote international tourism cooperation, business networking and sustainable tourism development.