Nepal is strengthening its position in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market, supported by new convention wins, expanding hotel infrastructure and steady growth in international visitor arrivals.
Kathmandu recently hosted the 13th EMF ACE Global Convention & Awards from July 30 to August 1, marking the first time the India-based event and wedding industry federation brought its flagship gathering to Nepal. Organised by EMF Global, the three-day convention at The Soaltee Kathmandu brought together around 550 delegates from seven countries, including event managers, wedding planners, hospitality leaders and investors. The convention was inaugurated by Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadga Raj Poudel.
As part of the programme, delegates also travelled to Pokhara, Chitwan and Janakpur, giving international participants an opportunity to experience some of Nepal’s key tourism and cultural destinations.
EMF Global founder president Dr Jaydeep Mehta said that Nepal has strong potential to become a leading destination for MICE tourism, pointing to its Himalayan landscapes, cultural diversity and proximity to India, which is the country’s largest source market.
The convention comes as Nepal’s tourism authorities increase their focus on the corporate and business events segment. The Nepal Tourism Board engaged with MICE stakeholders in New Delhi in January 2025, positioning Nepal as a natural extension of India’s outbound events market, which is projected to grow 8% this year.
Growing Hotel and Convention Infrastructure
Nepal’s hospitality infrastructure is also expanding to meet the requirements of the MICE sector. The 308-room Royal Tulip Kathmandu, which opened in 2025, features the capital’s largest convention centre, offering more than 2,790 sqm of event space. This includes two 1,022 sqm banquet halls.
The property was followed by Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights, further strengthening Kathmandu’s business accommodation and events offering.
More international hotel brands are expected to enter the market. Marriott’s 225-room Luxury Collection Kathmandu is scheduled to open in October 2026. Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton Kathmandu and The Westin Kathmandu, announced by Marriott and Nepal’s CG Hospitality Global in June this year, are planned to open in 2031 and are being developed with the region’s growing MICE market in mind.
In Lumbini, IHG’s second property in Nepal, Crowne Plaza Lumbini, is expected to open this year. The property will feature 137 rooms and 10 suites, along with a banquet hall and flexible meeting and event spaces.
Visitor Numbers Support MICE Growth
The country’s growing tourism numbers are providing further momentum to the MICE push. Nepal recorded 1,158,459 international arrivals in 2025, representing a 97% recovery compared with pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
The upward trend has continued into 2026. International arrivals in July 2026 reached 71,775, representing a 2.3% year-on-year increase, according to the latest tourism figures.
Nepal’s Hotel Association has identified MICE as one of the country’s most profitable tourism segments, generating business across accommodation, food and beverage, event venues and ancillary services.
Kathmandu’s hospitality industry is increasingly highlighting Nepal’s climate, cultural diversity and growing portfolio of conference-ready luxury properties as key advantages for international event planners. Industry voices have also described MICE as Nepal’s fastest-growing tourism segment after adventure travel.
With new convention facilities, expanding luxury hotel inventory, government-led industry outreach and a growing events calendar, Nepal is seeking to move beyond being primarily an adventure tourism destination and establish itself as a competitive MICE destination for regional and international events.
