Bangladesh and Nepal are stepping up efforts to strengthen tourism cooperation through a new “Bay–Himalaya” initiative. Officials from both countries recently met in Dhaka and Chattogram to lay the groundwork for enhanced collaboration, aiming to connect Bangladesh’s Bay of Bengal with Nepal’s Himalayan region. The tourism officials discussed practical steps to streamline multi-destination travel. Key proposals include direct bus routes, easier visa processes, and coordinated marketing campaigns to present unique travel packages that blend coastal and mountain experiences. These routes are designed to attract regional travelers, as well as adventure and nature-loving visitors from abroad. Tour statistics indicate an increasing interest, with more than 36,000 Bangladeshi travelers going to Nepal in 2023. This marks a 44% increase compared to last year, and the numbers are still looking robust for 2025. Tourism professionals say cooperative planning between governments and tour agencies is key to developing attractive itineraries and promotional offers. A prominent tourism meeting between Nepal and Bangladesh, titled “Destination Nepal: From the Bay of Bengal to the Himalayas,” united officials from the tourism board, local travel agents, and the Nepali Ambassador. and tour operators to explore this concept. Babar Ali, a mountaineering icon and the first Bangladeshi to conquer Everest and Annapurna, also offered his thoughts on how to encourage adventures in the Himalayas. Beyond marketing, officials recognized the need for infrastructure improvements such as better land ports, bus services, and land-based visa facilities. They emphasized cultural exchanges, student travel programs, and tourism-friendly festivals to support deeper people-to-people connections. The Bay–Himalaya route aligns with regional development goals under BIMSTEC, encouraging sustainable growth across South Asia’s travel corridor. The two nations shared a vision of balancing tourism growth with environmental care and community benefit, ensuring local economies in hill and coastal regions gain from increased visitor numbers. Industry experts believe that by packaging both beach and mountain destinations, the initiative will help extend tourist stays and boost local revenues. Collaborative strategy workshops and B2B events are already underway to develop these multi-stop tours. If these plans are implemented, this joint route could redefine regional tourism and bring fresh opportunities to both countries. With coordinated promotion, policies, and infrastructure, the Bay Himalaya initiative may become a model for cross-border tourism in South Asia unlocking new markets, generating jobs, and enriching cultural exchange.
