K.P. Sharma Oli

Former Prime Minister of Nepal

I am pleased to learn that Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) is bringing out a special issue of souvenir on Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM 2019), first of its kind in the Nepalese tourism history. The Mart will be a memorable trendsetter in showcasing new tourism products and destination development of Nepal. Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Gautam Buddha will be promoted as the gateway and the first stopover in the Buddhist circuit. I am delighted to know BITM has the theme “Explore the Buddhaland: A Gateway to Buddhist Circuits”. The theme will definitely help to promote Lumbini as the first and foremost pilgrimage amongst all the Buddhist sites. The Mart will be a milestone in unfolding the spiritual tourism and pilgrimage tourism in and around Buddha’s historical places. While exploring Buddha’s land, it will be interesting to visit Maya Devi, Ramgram, Kudan, Kapilvastu; places that are related to the life of Lord Buddha. I wish NATTA every success in its initiation and hope it will continue the Mart in the days ahead. I would also like to thank Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, NATTA and all tourism related organizations for their collective effort in making BITM 2019 a great success. .