Nepal has always been said to have untapped potential in the tourism sector. As a land of nature and culture, the tourist opportunities revolve around the same, but there is another section where Nepal can attract a sizeable audience. This is MICE tourism.
MICE simply stands for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. It is business tourism at its finest, geared towards bringing together top experts from different industries for a better one and providing them with customized hospitality services.
MICE is a wonderful mix of business and travel. Nepal has a competitive advantage and can build on the unique characteristics of a travel destination, further promoting MICE tourism. Since this form of tourism base is closely linked to the travel and hotel industry, the tourism industry in Nepal can benefit even more. It also helps any business grow their customer base while maintaining the current market.
Here are some places in Nepal that can be great destinations for MICE tourism, offering you unique perspectives to improve your business with partners, potential investors, customers and suppliers and exchange innovative ideas.
1. Chitwan
File: A single-horned rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park
When tourists come to Nepal, Chitwan is almost certainly on their list. Chitwan is surrounded by natural beauty and lush vegetation. In addition, people are immediately drawn to Chitwan National Park, which is also the biggest attraction in Chitwan. It’s quite large and offers the chance to see animals like rhinos and elephants up close while taking nature walks.
Chitwan has the potential to become a major player in Nepal’s MICE tourism industry. Participants can also enjoy jungle safaris while doing official work. The fact that Chitwan National Park is close to the Indian border is an advantage in itself. It is relatively cool compared to Bhairawaha and Birgunj which makes it the best place to organize meetings, conferences and exhibitions. MICE tourism in Chitwan is cheaper than in other tourist destinations and also more convenient for the participants to reach.
2. Kathmandu
Hanumandhoka Durbar. Photo: William Gary Rutley Wornell
Kathmandu is considered the Shangrila city of Nepal. It is the first destination of all tourists visiting Nepal. It is the cradle of Nepalese civilization and culture, made even more beautiful by the view of the snow-capped peaks and mountains in the north. It is also the realm of kings, queens, princes, princesses, and living deities, all of which are still worshiped today. Old temples, palaces, shrines, squares and courtyards in the city make it a living museum, and various parades, celebrations and festivals provide a richer experience.
As the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu offers a large number of conference rooms to choose from, as stand-alone venues or in three- to five-star hotels. With sophisticated audio, video, lighting, communication, catering, ventilation and parking facilities, there are many state-of-the-art facilities for conferences and congresses that support and promote MICE tourism.
3. Pokhara
File: Paragliding in Pokhara
Like Kathmandu and Chitwan, Pokhara is a popular MICE tourism destination. When it comes to tourism Pokhara has a lot to offer beautiful.
Pokhara is known as the tourism capital of Nepal. Many travel writers have written about its fascinating beauty. The quiet lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa as well as the fresh air in the beautiful backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Range make this place the “Jewel of the Himalayas”.
It’s the starting point for many walks and is home to wonderfully friendly and fascinating people who help the city to develop into a tourist center. Pokhara can cater to all needs, from business events to leisure activities. A variety of hotels and conference rooms are available to host various corporate events for business and networking.
4. Lumbini
Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini
Lumbini is known worldwide as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Like Chitwan, Lumbini is close to the Nepalese-Indian border. As it is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, Lumbini is an excellent MICE tourism destination. It has a lot to offer in both religious and scenic terms.
Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini as Siddhartha Gautam in a. born famous garden which eventually became a place of pilgrimage or one of the most important holy places in the world. The Indian monarch Ashoka was among the pilgrims, and one of his memorial pillars was erected there. Buddha traveled to the region where he spent his childhood as Prince Siddhartha.
With the planned Gautam Buddha International Airport soon in operation, travel and business opportunities are likely to multiply gradually.
5. Janakpur
File: Janaki Temple, Janakpur
Janakpur is another culturally and historically rich city known as the birthplace of Goddess Sita and mentioned in the Ramayana, a Hindu epic. Janakpur, often known as the City of Ponds, has over 70 ponds in its lush setting.
The city is the capital of the Nepalese Province 2 and the administrative center of the Dhanusha District. It has Ram Janaki Temple as one of the main attractions and one of the revered destinations on the sacred Parikrama (religious pilgrimage) including Ayodhya, Kashi and Brij.
Plus, it is so close to India which makes it a beneficial and beneficial destination in terms of tourism and trade. In other words, it makes Janakpur an excellent destination for MICE tourism.
