KATHMANDU: China is continuing to loosen its visa rules in an attempt to encourage transparency and ease people-to-people interactions, which will make it easier for foreign tourists and business travelers to visit. There has already been a considerable rise in tourists as a result of the relaxed regulations.  

Due to large investments, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a popular travel destination, even if the UAE and Qatar are now the most major markets in the Middle East. As the global tourism sector becomes more competitive, destinations are fighting for more visitors.  

Southeast Asian nations are vying with one another to expand their tourism sectors. As travelers seek out unique experiences like ecotourism, wellness retreats, and cultural immersions, these countries are capitalizing on their diverse offerings.  

There are still certain bureaucratic obstacles in spite of the rising demand. The third conference of the Bimstec network of tour operators was convened in Kathmandu on Thursday with the goal of tackling bureaucratic red tape that impedes the expansion of rural tourism.  

The group, which consists of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations with a combined population of 1.73 billion, is attempting to improve cross-border travel by addressing challenges related to visas, currency exchange, and connectivity.  

After seven years, this in-person meeting is expected to bring renewed momentum in eliminating bureaucratic obstacles that have made regional travel cumbersome despite the geographical proximity of member nations.  

Nepal’s Tourism Secretary Binod Prakash Singh emphasized that each country has distinct tourism strengths and challenges. By sharing experiences, member nations may create more effective tourism policies that benefit the region as a whole.  

He highlighted two significant projects that have the potential to completely transform the travel sector: the Bimstec Buddhist Circuit and the Bimstec Cruise Circuit. Both initiatives aim to enhance travelers' travel experiences and boost regional connectivity.  

Since Lord Buddha was born in Nepal, the country holds significance for the Buddhist Circuit. In addition to being a site of pilgrimage, Lumbini is a global emblem of peace and enlightenment. The nation is dedicated to improving connectivity and infrastructure to enable smooth travel.  

Another exciting initiative that will improve intra-regional connectivity among participating countries and enable visitors to experience the region's marine legacy is the cruise circuit.  

Singh emphasized that one of the biggest obstacles to regional travel is still visa requirements. Despite Nepal's implementation of e-visas and visa-on-arrival services, collaboration is necessary to improve the efficiency of travel between Bimstec countries.  

A regional visa-free policy or a streamlined visa application procedure can greatly boost traveler numbers and promote more cross-cultural interactions between participating countries.  

Promoting intraregional travel requires coordinated marketing initiatives. Developing smooth itineraries that allow tourists to see several locations—like the mountains of Nepal, the beaches of Thailand, the history of India, and the monasteries of Bhutan—would draw more tourists.  

Currency exchange was another significant topic that was discussed. Simplifying currency conversion processes would benefit both regional economic cooperation and travel convenience in the Bimstec countries.  

According to Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, they share a vision of regional prosperity as Bimstec members, with tourism acting as a vital pillar to advance this development.  

Enabling cross-border travel, expediting visa processes, advancing Buddhist historical tourism, and establishing a Bimstec Tourism Mart were among the key topics covered at the summit.  

These discussions are crucial for identifying issues and coming up with solutions that work for each and every member country, Joshi said.  

Buddhism has a long history in Bimstec, offering a multitude of chances for spiritual and cultural exploration. If Nepal were positioned as the entry point of the Buddhist Circuit, more pilgrims would begin their journeys in Lumbini.  

Establishing connections between sacred sites throughout the Bimstec nations would significantly boost local tourism and provide Buddhist visitors with an immersive experience.  

One important element in the growth of tourism is connectivity. Improving infrastructure, facilitating border crossings, and expediting visa procedures should be the main goals of increasing intraregional travel.  

Travel convenience would be further enhanced by streamlining currency exchange in addition to these initiatives. Cross-border tourism might be easier if digital travel permits, multiple-entry regional visas, and simplified border facilitation were investigated.  

Currently, the Bimstec region generates around 45 million outbound travelers, but intra-regional tourism remains underdeveloped, with much untapped potential.  

Nepal’s tourism sector has witnessed substantial growth post-pandemic. More than 20 new five-star hotels have opened, and international hotel chains continue to invest in the country, underscoring its rising prominence as a tourism hub.  

The Bimstec Secretariat's director of the people-to-people interaction sector, Si Thu Aung, said that strengthening tourist cooperation will enable member countries to realize their full potential and build enduring relationships.  

The Kathmandu meeting is crucial because it focuses on operationalizing the Buddhist and Cruise Circuits, which entails defining items, setting standards, and planning logistics.  

Another important goal of the gathering is to improve destination management. Attracting tourists and optimizing the financial gains from tourism depends on the management and presentation of tourist destinations.  

In order to boost regional tourism, the group also looked at ways to make visas easier to get. The recommendations from these sessions will be reviewed by the Expert Group on Visa Matters.  

The team is creating the Bimstec Visa Facilitation Scheme, which will include a variety of visa categories, including tourist visas, in an attempt to lower obstacles and improve accessibility.  

The insights gained from this forum will help guide the implementation of the updated tourist Plan of Action and promote deeper cooperation among Bimstec nations in the tourism sector.