Unlocking Lumbini's Untapped Potential Airport and Beyond
Progress on this issue
7 May 2026
Issue raised
To:
Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Tourism,
The world agrees that Lumbini is fantastic and untapped. When I saw Kapilvastu empty on Buddha Jayanti 2026, I was shocked. There's much to do, from improving roads, marketing, and the airport, but the ultimate goal is to make Lumbini more vibrant. Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Nepal's most significant spiritual and cultural destinations, yet much of its tourism potential remains untapped. During an on-site observation by the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Tourism, key challenges were identified, including the underutilisation of Gautam Buddha International Airport, low visitor activity, and gaps in tourism infrastructure, management, and promotion. The visit highlighted the need for coordinated action to strengthen Lumbini as a vibrant global destination for spiritual tourism, heritage conservation, and peace education.
Key Recommendations:
- Increase regular international flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport.
- Strengthen tourism infrastructure and visitor services across the Lumbini region.
- Effectively implement the World Bank-supported tourism development project.
- Improve coordination among relevant agencies to promote Lumbini internationally.
- Position Lumbini as a world-class destination for spiritual tourism, heritage conservation, and peace education.
