Lumbini, Nepal and Banaras, India have agreed to promote Lumbini and Banaras as religious destinations internationally. Businessmen from Lumbini and Banaras have agreed to promote these destinations in coordination with the private sector, government and stakeholders. The agreement was signed at the three-day Lumbini-Banaras B2B Travel Mart and Family Trip program organized in Lumbini. Representatives of small and large travel and tour operator companies and hoteliers from both destinations participated in the

program. The travel mart was organized to promote tourism by connecting the spiritual side of Lumbini and the cultural capital of India, Varanasi. At the program, initiated by the Lumbini Hotel Association, representatives of travel and tour operator companies and hoteliers from Lumbini and Banaras signed a five-point memorandum of understanding to make tourism promotion effective.

It has been agreed to take the initiative to accommodate tourists in Lumbini even for one night, to make Kalidaha of Nepal and Kakrahawa Bazaar of India, located on the border of Rupandehi, a symbol of friendship (Friendship City), and to move forward by developing additional package tours in both places.

It has been agreed to take the initiative to strengthen the road network between both destinations and to increase connectivity by means of transport, and to have media personnel, content creators, travel and tour operators and hoteliers from both places visit each other's destinations to exchange experiences. The agreement was signed by Lumbini Hotel Association President Leelamani Sharma and Banaras Tourism Guild President Subhash Kapoor. The program, which began on Monday, ended on Wednesday. At the program, hotels and travel and tour companies in the Lumbini area set up stalls and provided information about the services they provide and their hotel packages.

Indian hotel and travel and tour company managers and representatives have proposed cooperation after getting information about the services provided by Nepali hotels, said Banaras Tourism Guild President Kapoor. ‘There was a preliminary discussion about the introduction and service facilities,’ he said, ‘Those who like the hotel’s package and facilities will communicate further and send their guests to the hotel to promote tourism in both places.’ 25 stalls from small to star hotels in Lumbini were set up at the program.

Discussions were held at the program to promote tourism in both places. Senior archaeologist Basant Bidari informed the participants about the historical, cultural and archaeological importance of Lumbini. The Indian participants were also given a tour of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, ancient Kapilvastu, the capital of the Shakya dynasty, Tilaurakot, Nigradharam, the place where Prince Siddhartha met his parents for the first time after gaining enlightenment, and Ramgram, which is believed to be the place where Buddha's relics are found. The program was attended by 40 representatives of travel and tour operator companies and hoteliers from Banaras, Delhi, Lucknow and Bouddhavya, India.

Lumbini Hotel Association President Sharma said that the program was effective as there was open discussion between travel and tour operators and hoteliers from both countries. He said that this has further helped in promoting Lumbini's tourism, expanding the international market and promoting religious and cultural tourism between Nepal and India. This is the first travel mart to be operated at the private level in Lumbini. He said that Lumbini's hoteliers have spontaneously organized a program to promote tourism by arranging accommodation and food in their hotels without any assistance. There are 83 hotels and restaurants in Lumbini, ranging from four-star to budget-friendly.