Sep. 27 2019, Lumbini: World Tourism Day 2019 was observed in Lumbini amid a formal welcome program. The welcome program was jointly organized by Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), Lumbini Hotel Association, Lumbini Tourism Association, Mahamaya Rickshaw Operator Association and Lumbini Local Tour Guide Association. The theme of the world tourism day this year is “Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all.’

The organizers had the privilege of welcoming fifteen first Lumbini visitors early morning today at the main entrance of Mayadevi Temple.  Dr Tang Kiat Beng, Mr Chuan Yeong Ming, Dr Ching Chen Hua, Ms Lee Meow Hong, Ms Ong Gaik Chin, and Ms Low Piek Laik from Malaysia; Mr Liu Meng Yi and Ms Yeh Shu Mei from Taiwan; Swiss tourists Matthew Epps, Sandra Pascale, Pia Berchtold, and Joy Cavegn; German visitor Marie Therese Laminet and Dr. Rishi Kumar Kafle and Dr. Shyam Maharjan from Nepal were welcomed by the organizers at the birthplace of the Buddha. Treasurer Surendra Muni Shakya and Act. Member Secretary Er. Saroj Bhattarai of LDT and Chairman of Lumbini Hotel Association Mithun Shrestha offered the guests with khada (scarf), Nepali cap, and token of love.

Ven. Maitri Maha Thero, the spiritual advisor of the Trust prayed for the good health, peace and prosperity of the guests in the Mayadevi temple and Information and PR Chief Hari D. Rai briefed the guests about the history, spirituality and archaeology of the Lumbini. Lumbini Local Tour Guide Association and Mahamaya Rickshaw Association provided a guided tour to Lumbini Monastic Zone and New Lumbini Village. Lumbini Biraha Cultural Team performed cultural shows to entertain the guests. The first arriving guests were provided free entrance, transport and tour guide service from behalf of the organizers.