KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 11

Stakeholders have emphasised formulation of a common action plan to promote religious tourism between Nepal and India. They view that this will benefit both the countries as they share centuries-old close bond and similar culture and religion.

They said this while addressing a three-day fourth Association of Buddhist Tour Operators International Convention organised in Bodh Gaya by the ABTO, India.

Inaugurating the Convention yesterday, Social Welfare Minister in the Government of New Delhi, India, Rajendra Pal Gautam underscored the need for mutual cooperation between India and Nepal to tap the abundant potentialities of the countries for tourism.

He emphasised mutual cooperation to promote religious tourism in the countries as both Nepal and India are connected to issues related to Lord Buddha.

'It would help with economic and social development of both the countries, read the statement issued today by Nepal Tourism Board.

Similarly on the occasion, other participants - NTB Director Maniraj Lamichhane, President of Nepal Association of Tour and Travels Agents Achyut Guragain, General Secretary of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal Sarita Lama, central member of Hotel Association Nepal CP Shrestha and Assistant Director of Kolkata Tourism Office, BB Mukherjee echoed Minister Gautam emphasising cooperation between the two countries for the promotion of religious tourism.

In the convention, experts will table various working papers. A business-to-business session will also be organised during the event as well, said the ABTO General Secretary Kaulesh Kumar.

A version of this article appears in the print on December 12, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.