Kathmandu – In a significant step toward strengthening cross-border tourism cooperation, the Tourism Association of Bihar (TAB) and the Ministry of Tourism, Forest and Environment of Nepal’s Koshi Province Government have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at the development and promotion of tourism.
The MoU was signed on December 1, 2025, with a shared vision to jointly promote rural tourism, wildlife tourism, and religious and pilgrimage tourism, including both Hindu and Buddhist circuits. The agreement is expected to open new avenues for tourism collaboration between India and Nepal.
The signing took place in the context of the 7th Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival, held in Patna, Bihar, from December 11 to 13. The three-day festival showcased oranges from Himalayan regions of India, including Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpong, as well as from Nepal and Bhutan. Previously organized in Kolkata, the festival was hosted in Patna for the first time this year.
Co-convenor Bhavish Kumar Shrestha stated that participation in such international festivals plays a crucial role in connecting Koshi Province tourism with new international markets. Echoing this sentiment, Niroj Kattel, Officer at the Tourism Office, Kakarbhitta, informed that participating tourism entrepreneurs believe such platforms are effective in promoting initiatives like Koshi Province Tourism Year 2082 and other provincial tourism campaigns at the international level.
According to the MoU, both parties will collaborate in sharing tourism-related information, networking, and exchanging experiences and expertise. The agreement aims to facilitate cross-border tourism and elevate religious and cultural tourism between Nepal and India to new heights.
The two sides have also agreed to take joint initiatives to address customs, immigration, and mobility-related challenges faced by tourists during cross-border travel. Additionally, they will jointly organize national and international tourism fairs, travel shows, roadshows, and workshops.
The MoU emphasizes investment promotion in tourism-related sectors such as hotels, tour operators, transportation services, tour guides, and souvenir industries. It also includes plans for training and skill development programs for tourism sector human resources, as well as cooperation in sustainable tourism practices, industry standards, certification, and the promotion of best practices.
The MoU was signed by Akash Chandra, Secretary of the Tourism Association of Bihar, and Bhavish Kumar Shrestha, Co-convenor of Tourism Year 2082, on behalf of the Koshi Province Government. Both parties expressed confidence that this collaboration will significantly benefit tourism entrepreneurs, pilgrims, and tourists in both regions.
This landmark agreement is expected to further strengthen Nepal–India tourism relations, while promoting mutual goodwill, peace, and shared prosperity through enhanced people-to-people connectivity and cultural exchange.
