NTB to Make Debut at GlobeMeets B2B Networking Event

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), together with five Destination Management Companies (DMCs), will showcase Nepal’s tourism potential at the third edition of the GlobeMeets B2B Networking Event in Istanbul.

The event, scheduled for 11–12 September at Rixos Tersane Istanbul, is one of Turkey’s premier gatherings for the global travel trade. It will also mark NTB’s first official participation at the pre-scheduled, invitation-only marketplace, designed for high-value, targeted networking.

Along with NTB, Nepal’s delegation includes Earth Nepal Travel and Trek, Himalaya Safety Trek and Expedition, Swornim Tours and Travel, Journey DMC, and NBM Travel.

The previous edition drew more than 1,000 travel agencies and stakeholders from 50 countries. Nepal’s private-sector participation generated notable attention, especially in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment, opening new opportunities for the country.

Four Seasons Travel and Tours, which represented Nepal in 2024, reported a surge in inquiries and strong interest from Turkey and Europe. Connectivity via Jazeera Airways, linking Kathmandu and Istanbul through Kuwait, is also boosting access for Turkish travellers.

Organisers describe GlobeMeets as a high-impact platform where tourism boards, airlines, and travel companies forge partnerships, discover new products, and exchange market insights. Exhibitors benefit from profitable business leads, direct buyer connections, and a structured B2B meeting system.

“By fostering connections between continents, the event strengthens global tourism collaboration and positions destinations for long-term growth,” organisers said.

With its cultural richness, adventure offerings, and growing MICE infrastructure, Nepal is uniquely placed to appeal to Turkish and wider European audiences, tourism entrepreneurs note.

GlobeMeets President Hüseyin Kurt said the event has tripled in size since its launch. “As GlobeMeets evolves into a major force in global tourism networking, Nepal’s active role promises to unlock fresh opportunities, strengthen market ties, and elevate its profile as a must-visit destination for both leisure and business travel,” he said.

NTB CEO Dipak Raj Joshi added that the Turkish market holds “tremendous potential.”

Turkey recorded 10.96 million outbound visitors in 2023, including 2.61 million who travelled for MICE activities. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 570,000 Turks undertook MICE trips. According to the TurkStat Arriving Citizens Survey, Turkish outbound tourists spent $8.42 billion in 2023 and $1.77 billion in Q1 2024, with MICE and luxury travellers spending significantly more than leisure tourists.

Nepali tour operators hope the event will help Nepal connect with this high-value segment.