Overview: 34th world Tourism day
Introduction
Nepal has been celebrating World Tourism Day annually to promote the development and awareness of tourism in the country. This year marks the 34th World Tourism Day, and the celebrations have a special focus on water tourism. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) designates September 27 every year as World Tourism Day to highlight tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic value worldwide. Nepal has embraced this global initiative with enthusiasm, linking it to the sustainable use of its abundant water resources.
This year, the celebration theme, “Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future,” is particularly significant for Nepal. With increasing concerns over water and electricity scarcity, the theme highlights the need for efficient use of water resources, energy conservation, and the adoption of renewable energy technologies. Tourism in Nepal, being a major contributor to national income, can benefit significantly by incorporating sustainable water management practices. Hence, this year’s focus aims to combine tourism promotion with environmental responsibility.
Which Date
World Tourism Day is observed every year on September 27. In 2025, Nepal marked its 34th World Tourism Day with a month-long series of events and initiatives. While the official day falls on September 27, various programs and activities began earlier and extended throughout the month, ensuring wider participation and impact.
In addition to the official day, tourism organizations, environmental agencies, and local communities organized events on multiple dates. For instance, the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) held a rafting event on the Trishuli River on September 25, anticipating the main celebration day and creating momentum for water-based tourism activities. By extending the celebration across multiple days, Nepal effectively engaged diverse stakeholders and promoted broader awareness of sustainable tourism practices.
Where Celebrated
The 34th World Tourism Day in Nepal was celebrated throughout the country, with activities organized both in the capital and in various districts. Major celebrations took place in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and along significant rivers suitable for water tourism such as the Trishuli and Bhotekoshi Rivers.
In Kathmandu, the metropolitan city authority allowed free entry for foreign tourists to historical and cultural sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square. Similarly, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares hosted cultural programs, street festivals, and awareness campaigns. The emphasis was not only on tourism promotion but also on encouraging domestic and international visitors to participate in conservation and cultural appreciation activities.
District-level initiatives included clean-up campaigns, environmental rallies, and community engagement programs along rivers and water bodies. The Bagmati River Cleaning Campaign, one of the most widely appreciated initiatives, involved local residents and volunteers joining hands to restore river cleanliness, demonstrating community participation and sustainable tourism practice.
Why Celebrated
World Tourism Day in Nepal is celebrated with multiple objectives:
Promoting Tourism: The day emphasizes tourism as a tool for economic growth, cultural exchange, and international friendship. By highlighting tourism’s benefits, Nepal seeks to attract more domestic and international tourists.
Focusing on Water Tourism: With abundant rivers, lakes, and water resources, Nepal has significant potential for water-based tourism such as rafting, kayaking, and eco-tourism. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future,” stresses the sustainable use of water, encouraging environmentally responsible tourism activities.
Raising Awareness on Environmental Conservation: Water and electricity scarcity are pressing issues in Nepal. The celebration highlights the importance of efficient water usage, renewable energy adoption, and protection of water ecosystems, linking tourism growth with environmental stewardship.
Engaging Communities and Tourists: By organizing events such as river cleaning campaigns, cultural programs, and awareness rallies, the celebration encourages local participation and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for natural resources.
Supporting Sustainable Development: Tourism in Nepal contributes significantly to the national economy. By aligning tourism promotion with water conservation and sustainability, the country ensures long-term benefits for communities and the environment, thereby reinforcing responsible tourism practices.
Who Celebrated
The 34th World Tourism Day in Nepal involved a wide range of tourism, environmental, and cultural organizations. These organizations coordinated activities, awareness campaigns, and public engagement programs across the country. Key participants included:
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB): Responsible for welcoming international tourists at Tribhuwan International Airport and other entry points, and coordinating national-level activities.
Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN): Member hotels provided a 25 percent discount on food for tourists during the celebration period.
Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA): Organized rafting events on the Trishuli River and Bhotekoshi River to promote water tourism, alongside clean-up campaigns.
Nepal Mountaineering Association: Conducted awareness programs and organized activities to encourage eco-friendly tourism.
Thamel Tourism Development Committee: Hosted street festivals and cultural events in Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourism hub.
Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal: Provided promotions and special services to tourists.
Tour Guide Association of Nepal: Engaged tourists in guided tours while emphasizing environmental education.
Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association: Supported transportation and logistics for tourists participating in events.
Trekking and Tour Operators Association of Nepal: Facilitated treks, river rafting, and eco-tourism packages during the celebration.
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents: Promoted travel packages emphasizing water tourism and sustainable practices.
Journalists’ Association for Tourism Nepal: Covered events and raised public awareness through media reporting.
Through these collaborations, Nepal ensured that World Tourism Day was not only a ceremonial observance but a practical platform for tourism promotion, environmental education, and cultural celebration.
Key Activities and Initiatives
Bagmati River Cleaning Campaign: One of the most significant initiatives during this year’s celebration was the Bagmati River Cleaning Campaign. Local volunteers, environmental activists, and community members worked together to remove waste from the river, raise awareness about water pollution, and encourage sustainable tourism practices. The campaign received widespread appreciation and participation, highlighting the role of community engagement in environmental conservation.
Rafting Events on Trishuli and Bhotekoshi Rivers:
The Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) organized rafting on Trishuli River on September 25, ahead of the official celebration date. Additional rafting programs and clean-up drives were scheduled on both Trishuli and Bhotekoshi Rivers, promoting water-based tourism while emphasizing environmental protection. Such initiatives demonstrate how adventure tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Cultural Programs and Street Festivals
Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur hosted cultural programs, street festivals, and heritage awareness activities. These events allowed tourists to experience Nepal’s rich traditions, art, and culture while fostering a deeper connection between tourism and local communities. Free entry to historical sites during the celebration further encouraged international visitors to explore Nepal’s cultural heritage.
Awareness Rallies and Environmental Education
Rallies and educational campaigns were organized to raise awareness about water conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism practices. Schools, local NGOs, and tourism associations actively participated, ensuring that the message of environmental responsibility reached both locals and tourists.
Discounts and Tourist Incentives
To encourage tourist participation, the Hotel Association of Nepal provided 25 percent discounts on food for visitors in member hotels. Similarly, free entry to historical sites and participation in guided tours ensured that tourists experienced both the hospitality and heritage of Nepal at reduced costs.
Impact and Significance
The 34th World Tourism Day celebrations in Nepal achieved several important outcomes:
Enhanced Awareness of Water Tourism: Highlighting rivers, lakes, and adventure-based water activities encouraged sustainable use of water resources and increased tourist interest in water-based attractions.
Community Engagement: Volunteer participation in river cleaning and cultural programs strengthened local involvement in tourism and environmental conservation.
Promotion of Eco-Friendly Practices: By combining tourism with environmental awareness, Nepal reinforced the importance of responsible travel, renewable energy adoption, and conservation of water resources.
Economic Benefits: Tourist incentives, hotel discounts, and guided programs helped boost local businesses, hotels, and tourism-related enterprises during the celebration month.
Cultural Preservation: Free entry to heritage sites and cultural programs promoted appreciation for Nepal’s rich history, supporting cultural sustainability.
Overall, the month-long celebration demonstrated that tourism can be both a source of economic growth and a platform for environmental responsibility, reinforcing Nepal’s global position as a sustainable tourism destination.
Conclusion
Nepal’s celebration of the 34th World Tourism Day successfully combined tourism promotion, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Observed officially on September 27, the celebration extended throughout the month with multiple activities including rafting, clean-up campaigns, cultural festivals, and awareness rallies.
The theme, “Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future,” highlighted the urgent need for responsible water resource management and renewable energy use in the context of Nepal’s water and electricity scarcity. Multiple stakeholders, including the Nepal Tourism Board, Hotel Association of Nepal, Nepal Association of Rafting Agents, and local cultural organizations, collaborated to organize a wide range of activities, ensuring both local and tourist participation.
By offering discounts, free entry to heritage sites, and organized programs, Nepal not only attracted international visitors but also strengthened community involvement in sustainable tourism. The celebration emphasized that tourism, when combined with environmental consciousness and cultural appreciation, can significantly contribute to Nepal’s development goals.
Through the initiatives of the 34th World Tourism Day, Nepal demonstrated that tourism can be a force for positive change, fostering sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and cultural pride, while offering visitors a memorable and responsible travel experience.