Kathmandu, March 24 -- The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have jointly launched the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP)—a US$ 5 million, three-year initiative (2025–2028) aimed at strengthening Nepal’s tourism sector through job creation, infrastructure development, and skills training.
Signed on March 21, 2025, the agreement commits US$ 1.5 million each from NTB and UNDP, with an additional US$ 2 million to be mobilized. The project will create 2,500 jobs, train 5,000 individuals, and enhance tourism facilities in priority destinations while promoting digital innovation.
“This project empowers local communities and strengthens Nepal’s position as a world-class destination,” said NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi.
UNDP’s Yokosuka echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that STP supports Nepal’s long-term development vision: “We are committed to building a tourism industry that is environmentally sustainable, inclusive, and a true driver of economic growth.”
Aligned with Nepal’s 16th Plan, SDGs and the Tourism Decade (2023-2032)--which aims to attract 3.5 million tourists annually by 2032., the project builds on the success of the earlier STLRP, which helped revive tourism post-COVID by creating 1,600 jobs and improving key tourist sites in areas like Everest and Annapurna.
By investing in infrastructure, human capital, and digital innovation, the project seeks to increase tourist satisfaction, length of stay, and spending—ultimately strengthening Nepal’s economy and positioning it as a sustainable and competitive global tourism hub.
