Investing in Nepal’s heritage
– an opportunity

The Nepal Heritage Tourism Virtual Investment Forum takes place on the evening of April 27th and May 4th where international tour operators and heritage tourism investors, architects, developers, and operators will share insights on the global demand from international and Nepali case studies of heritage-based accommodation investment. During this first session three heritage investment opportunities identified by IFC in the Annapurna Conservation Area will be introduced to participants.

The symposium will also include a deep dive discussion bringing together Nepali financial institutions, international impact investment funds, and other case studies to discuss opportunities for accessing traditional and non-traditional financing for heritage investments. In addition to the live virtual sessions, the symposium will provide detailed information on the three investment opportunities identified by IFC in the Annapurna Conservation Area along with other resources to support tourism investment in Nepal’s heritage.

Nepal’s Tourism COVID-19 Recovery

COVID-19 has truly been a global phenomenon, leaving no human unaffected. 2020 was supposed to be a joyous year for the Nepali tourism sector, with the launch of the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign. Instead of welcoming the two million estimated visitors, many in the tourism sector lost their jobs. It was an unfortunate year for many, as questions the future was plagued with uncertainty. Luckily, the momentum is starting to swing back. Now with strong global vaccination efforts, travel bookings for the coming months are flooding in. UNWTO statistics predict a rebound of international tourism in the third quarter of this year. International tour operators will kick off the panelist sessions by sharing their optimistic industry insights on Nepal’s tourism recovery progress.

Nepal’s Changing Tourism Landscape

Though tourism is resuming, it will take a different form to how it was previously. Industry research proves tourists desire different qualities in experiences to pre-COVID times. The “new normal” in travel prioritizing access to more remote locations, authentic experiences, and clear health and safety standards – all things Nepal is uniquely positioned to take advantage of with its striking natural landscapes and preserved cultural traditions. In preparing for this new tourism trend, conversations about the intersection of heritage, tourism, and wellness have never been more relevant.

Private Sector Roles

While the Nepali Government plays an important role in tourism, heritage, and conservation policy, destination marketing, facilitating access, and creating an attractive business environment; it is the private sector—along with their investment, creativity, entrepreneurial capacity, and access to markets—that has the unique ability to lead these Nepal’s tourism recovery efforts and develop new heritage tourism products and networks that meet the post-covid era travel demand.

About the Event

The goal of this event is to highlight the unique opportunity in Nepal to come together behind a common theme of heritage as a quality product and improve Nepal’s market position through cooperation. For this reason, the Nepal Heritage Tourism Virtual Investment Forum will bring together government officials and international and Nepalese private sector leaders to share best practices and successful models in heritage tourism investments while discussing three investment opportunities that have been identified with the support of the IFC.  

The event will showcase case studies from around the world and opportunities identified in Nepal to: 

  1. Use heritage buildings as an improved and more valuable offer along a circuit and;
  2. Potentially create a stand-alone resort development that captures visitors longer

Register

Register now to claim a spot at this fascinating event with world-class panelists.
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