KATHMANDU, Sept 19: The Wellness Nepal Investment Summit 2026 concluded in Kathmandu on Friday, with stakeholders calling for greater investment, infrastructure development, public-private partnerships and skilled human resources to develop Nepal as a competitive wellness tourism destination.
The summit, jointly organized by the World Tourism Network and Tourism Info Nepal, brought together government officials, tourism entrepreneurs, investors and hospitality and wellness professionals.
Defence Secretary Indu Ghimire said the government has approved the National Wellness Tourism Strategy 2026–2035 and declared 2027 as Nepal Wellness Tourism Year. The strategy has five major objectives and 37 strategies focusing on destination competitiveness, quality standards, human resources and market promotion.
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Investment Board Nepal CEO Yanki Ukyab said the board was ready to facilitate foreign investment in wellness tourism, including issues related to land, roads and legal procedures.
Former Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi said Nepal has significant potential in wellness tourism but needs greater investment and infrastructure to turn its natural, cultural and wellness resources into commercially viable tourism products.
WTN Chairman Juergen Steinmetz said wellness tourists generally stay longer and spend more than conventional tourists, suggesting Nepal focus on authentic and distinctive experiences.
NATHM Executive Director Dr. Dibyaraj Pokharel said skilled human resources are essential for sustainable growth and announced plans to introduce bachelor’s and master’s-level courses covering yoga, Ayurveda and spirituality.
Tourism entrepreneurs at the summit also called for simpler legal procedures and targeted investment packages, while Tourism Info Nepal Managing Director Bishwo Bhandari stressed stronger government-private sector collaboration to attract investment and accelerate wellness tourism development.
