Lumbini: Visit Nepal 2020, the tourism promotion campaign of Nepal was marked in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha on January 1, 2020. The Lumbini Development Trust organized a program on the inaugural day of Visit Nepal 2020 and welcomed a group of Bhutanese, Chinese and Nepali tourists who came to visit Lumbini. The first visiting tourists were welcomed at Visitors’ Information Centre of the Trust and explained about historical and spiritual significances of the heritage sites of the Greater Lumbini Area. Public Relations and Information Chief of the Trust, Mr. Hari D. Rai also provided a guided tour to the visitors. 

Acting Member Secretary of LDT Er. Saroj Bhattarai called Lumbini is an excellent spiritual destination and urged all to visit Lumbini. He urged all tourism entrepreneurs in Lumbini to celebrate it as a national festival. He also declared free entry to the Mayadevi temple to tourists on the first day of the new year. Treasurer of LDT Mr. Surendra Muni Shakya, Senior Officer Mr. Gyanin Rai, Senior Officer Mr. Shabbir Khan, and other staff of LDT were present on the occasion. Local Cultural group of Lumbini also presented 'Biraha Dance' to welcome the tourists in Lumbini.

Tourism entrepreneurs from Lumbini also welcomed the tourists with a great enthusiasm. The provided boating service, Lumbini Gift, tour guide and transportation facilities free of cost for the first Lumbini visitors. Tourism entrepreneurs also announced 10 to 20 percent discounts to tourists visiting the birthplace of Buddha in facilities in accommodation, foods, transportation, souvenir items, tour guiding for the year 2020.

Mayadevi temple complex was illuminated with two thousand and twenty lamps in the evening at the participation of LDT staff and officials, local tourism entrepreneurs, municipality, security personnel and general public.