International
01 Jun, 2026
US diplomat calls for international collaboration in tourism, safer expedition in Nepal Himalayas
Business To Business, Kathmandu, 1st June, 2026: A senior US diplomat on Sunday underscored the importance of international cooperation in promoting tourism and improving safety for mountaineers and trekkers in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Speaking at the Ascent Summit 2026, Sarah B. Rogers emphasized that collaboration among governments, tourism stakeholders, local communities, and international partners is essential for supporting sustainable tourism and ensuring safer expedition experiences in the Himalayan region.
Focus on safety and technology
Rogers highlighted the potential of new technologies in the adventure tourism and mountaineering sector, including tools that can:
- Improve expedition planning and risk assessment.
- Enhance communication and emergency response capabilities.
- Support search-and-rescue operations.
- Help monitor weather and environmental conditions in remote mountain areas.
Her remarks reflected growing interest in leveraging technology to make high-altitude tourism safer while preserving the unique natural environment of the Himalayas.
Participation from Nepal
The event was also attended by Sumnima Udas, along with representatives from Nepal's tourism and policy sectors.
The summit was organized as an initiative of the
US Embassy in Nepal in partnership with the
Nepal Tourism Board.
Importance for Nepal
Tourism, especially trekking and mountaineering, is a major contributor to Nepal's economy. The country is home to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, and attracts thousands of climbers and trekkers each year.
The discussions at the summit highlighted the growing emphasis on:
- Sustainable tourism.
- Visitor safety.
- Environmental conservation.
- International partnerships.
- Technological innovation in adventure travel.
The event reflects broader efforts to strengthen Nepal's position as a leading global destination for mountaineering and high-altitude tourism while addressing safety and sustainability challenges.