KATHMANDU: Tribhuvan International Airport welcomed 96 Israeli tourists, including 12 individuals with disabilities, on Tuesday night. The group, coordinated by the Israeli Embassy in Nepal, was received by Israeli Ambassador Hanan Goder and Laxman Gautam, Acting Market Director of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

Travelers will visit Pokhara, Manang, and Mustang as part of the tour, which is being arranged by Shalom Rafting Treks and Expedition and Master Himalayas. They left for Pokhara on Wednesday and were scheduled to return to Kathmandu by helicopter on Thursday, marking the start of their adventure.

NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi highlighted the importance of such visits, noting that it underscores Nepal's reputation as both an adventurous and disability-friendly travel destination. He emphasized that the country has developed disability-friendly trails and infrastructure, making it accessible for all.

Hanan Goder, the Israeli ambassador, expressed his enthusiasm for Nepal and described it as a friendly and safe travel destination for Israeli tourists. He urged tourists to take in the artistic, cultural, and natural splendor of the nation.

The ambassador added that the great experiences of previous visits by tourists with disabilities had encouraged more of them to come to Nepal. As more people become aware of the destination's accessibility, he thinks this tendency will continue.

Laxman Gautam, the acting director of NTB's marketing, thought that this visit was encouraging for Nepal's travel and tourist industry. His belief is that more tourists from across the world will be inspired by the passion and self-assurance of Israeli visitors, especially those who are disabled.

The group of people with disabilities visit is indicative of Nepal's increasing popularity as an adventurous and widely accessible tourism destination. Their voyage serves as a showcase for the nation's initiatives to advance diversity in travel.

6,417 Israeli visitors came to Nepal in total in 2023. 3,205 of them had arrived by August 2024. Another significant step in the development of the two countries' beneficial tourism relations is the current visit.

A similar group of disabled tourists traveled to Nepal last year with the coordination of the Israeli Embassy. The success of these trips serves to further affirm Nepal's standing as a friendly and convenient location for tourists with disabilities.

Nepal aspires to draw even more visitors and further establish its reputation as a diverse and welcoming destination for international travelers by continuing to promote accessibility and adventure.