44^th World Tourism Day Commemorated in Lumbini

September 27, 2023, Lumbini: The Lumbini Development Trust and tourism entrepreneurs extended a warm welcome to tourists visiting the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini, on Wednesday, in honor of the 44th World Tourism Day. Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khempo Chhime), the Vice-Chairman of the Trust, personally greeted tourists from China and France at the Maya Devi Entrance.

During the commemorative event, Vice-Chairman Dr. Lama emphasized the significance of Lumbini as a center of world peace and extended an open invitation to tourists to explore this sacred site. He also called upon the global community to recognize Lumbini as the premier destination for Buddhist pilgrims.

The commemoration of World Tourism Day in Lumbini was a collaborative effort involving the Lumbini Development Trust, Lumbini Hotel Association, Lumbini Tourism Association, and Lumbini Local Tour Guide Association. Together, they welcomed tourists with warm hospitality. Visitors to Lumbini were greeted with refreshments and souvenirs by members of the Trust, including Secretary Sanuraja Shakya, Project Chief Saroj Bhattarai, Senior Director Gyanin Rai, Information and Public Relations Chief Dr. Hari Dhoj Rai, as well as Govind Jyavali, the Chairman of the Lumbini Hotel Association, among others.

Since the establishment of the United Nations World Tourism Organization on September 27, 1970, World Tourism Day has been commemorated annually on the same date. Dr. Hari Rai provided insight into the growing number of tourists visiting Lumbini over the past year. He also noted that, with favorable weather conditions, both domestic and international tourists are increasingly choosing Lumbini as their destination for pilgrimage.