China-Nepal Exploration Tour Launched to Boost High-End Tourism
Kathmandu, June 29: A new tourism initiative aimed at strengthening Nepal-China tourism cooperation was officially launched in Kathmandu on Saturday.
The “China-Nepal Exploration Tour” project seeks to enhance bilateral tourism, improve cross-border connectivity and promote Nepal as a premium destination for high-end international travelers.
More than 120 representatives from government agencies, tourism organizations, airlines, cultural institutions and media from Nepal and China attended the launch and press conference.
The project is jointly organized by Xi Zang Tourism Culture Industry Group, Iris Tourism Culture Industry Group and Nepal Panda International Travel, with South Asia Network TV serving as co-organizer.
A major feature of the initiative is the operation of regular premium charter flights between Shenzhen and Kathmandu through Himalayan Airlines. The first charter flight was successfully operated on June 5, and the service will now run twice a week, every Thursday and Saturday, throughout the year.
According to organizers, the 104 annual flights are expected to bring more than 18,000 Chinese tourists to Nepal each year. Plans are also underway to expand charter services from other major Chinese cities, including Hangzhou, Qingdao and Nantong.
The project will offer premium seven-day tourism packages featuring trekking, cultural heritage tours, wellness retreats and educational exchange programs. Organizers said the initiative focuses on quality tourism with standardized hospitality services, bilingual guides and high-end travel experiences.
Officials said the project is expected to generate between 500 and 1,000 direct and indirect jobs while benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other tourism-related businesses. They also expressed confidence that the initiative would help reduce seasonal fluctuations in tourist arrivals and strengthen Nepal’s position as a premium tourism destination.
