Joint tourism promotion program in Brussels: Guests enjoyed Selroti and Chhoila

BRUSSELS:- The Embassy of Nepal in Brussels, in collaboration with the embassies of Bhutan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, has organized a joint tourism promotion program titled “From Himalayan Peaks to the Seashore.”

At an event attended by approximately 100 people—including representatives from the European Union and the United Nations, ambassadors and diplomatic mission representatives from various countries based in Belgium, well-wishers from participating nations (including Nepal), and members of the media—Sewa Lamsal, Nepal’s Ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, highlighted Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, adventure tourism, rich heritage, and wellness tourism.

Noting that Nepal is set to observe 2027 as the ‘International Year of Wellness,’ he invited the participants to experience Nepal’s spiritual and wellness tourism.

According to the embassy, ​​the event’s chief guest, Dominic Porter—Deputy Director-General at the European External Action Service—discussed the European Union’s cooperation with South Asian nations, including Nepal, and emphasized the promotion of sustainable tourism.

During the event, the ambassadors of Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives—Chokki Choden, Chandana Weerasena, and Uzma Fathimath Dhiyana, respectively—shared information about the unique tourism features of their respective countries.

Following the formal proceedings, cultural performances reflecting the distinct traditions of all four nations were presented. Nepal’s ‘Lakhe’ dance and a performance featuring the traditional ‘Dhime’ musical instrument particularly captured the attention of the attendees.

At the event, all four participating countries, including Nepal, set up separate exhibition stalls to promote their respective tourist destinations. The Nepali stall showcased tourism-related brochures, posters, maps, Mithila art, and handicrafts, as well as Nepali products such as pashmina, tea, and coffee. Audiovisual materials concerning tourism in Nepal were also displayed.

At the Nepal tourism booth, participants showed keen interest and inquired with embassy representatives about travel opportunities to Nepal and its major tourist destinations.

The four participating countries also showcased their respective traditional dishes. Each country presented two types of food; from Nepal, *selroti* and *choila* were served. These dishes were well-received by the participants.