Lumbini, 27 September 2026: The 47th World Tourism Day was observed in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, with a special programme welcoming international tourists to the sacred site on Sunday.

Fourteen tourists from China and Australia were welcomed at Lumbini as part of the annual observance held on 27 September. The programme was jointly organized by the Lumbini Development Trust, Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality, Lumbini Hotel Association Nepal, Lumbini Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, Local Tour Guide Association, Nepal Tourism Board and other tourism stakeholders.

The first group of tourists was formally welcomed through the recitation of the Panchashila by Venerable Vivekananda and other Buddhist monks, reflecting the spiritual significance of Lumbini.

Welcoming the visitors, Gyanin Rai, Officiating Member Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, said Lumbini, as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience for visitors from around the world and encouraged international tourists to visit the sacred site.

Lilamani Sharma, President of the Lumbini Hotel Association Nepal, said the local tourism sector remains committed to providing a warm welcome and quality services to visitors. Ms. Jigule, one of the Chinese visitors, expressed her appreciation for the warm reception she received in Lumbini.

The programme was facilitated by Dr. Hari Dhoj Rai, Chief of the Information and Public Relations Section of the Lumbini Development Trust, who also briefed the visitors on Lumbini’s historical, religious and cultural significance.

World Tourism Day 2026 is being observed under the theme “Tourism and Peace: Reimagining Tourism through Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence,” highlighting the potential of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to transform the tourism sector.

Following the welcome programme, the Local Tour Guide Association and Lumbini Rickshaw Association arranged visits to major heritage sites for the tourists. The Lumbini Hotel Association Nepal provided meals and hospitality during the programme.

More than 1.1 million tourists visited Lumbini last year, underlining its continuing importance as an international pilgrimage and tourism destination.