Nepal will be promoted as a hub for Buddhist, spiritual and peace tourism: Pandey

KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has said that Nepal will be established as a global hub for Buddhist, spiritual and peace tourism.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM), organized by the Nepal Tourism Board in collaboration with the Nepal Association of Tour and Travels Agents (NATTA), in Kathmandu on Friday, Minister Pandey said the government is committed to making Nepal a center for Buddhist cultural heritage and attracting spiritual tourists.

“The time has come to spread the message of peace that originated from Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, across the world,” he said, adding that Lumbini will be developed as an international city of peace.

He also said the government was putting priority on Buddhist tourism by focusing on Lumbini as well as other destinations related to the life of Buddha like Ramgram, Devdaha and Tilaurakot.

Minister Pandey also said efforts were underway for the recognition of Tilaurakot as a UNESCO World Heritage site.