KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal is hosting more than 550 event and wedding industry professionals from seven countries in a major international convention that tourism stakeholders believe could help position the country as a preferred destination for meetings, conferences, incentive travel and destination weddings.
The 13th EMF ACE Global Convention & Awards 2026, being held in Nepal for the first time, opened at The Soaltee Kathmandu on Thursday and will continue until August 1. Organized by EMF Global, an India-based federation of the event and wedding industry, the convention has brought together event managers, wedding planners, tourism entrepreneurs, hospitality leaders, investors and destination specialists.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Poudel inaugurated the three-day event.
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According to EMF Global Founder President Dr. Jaydeep Mehta, delegates attending the convention will also visit Pokhara, Janakpur and Chitwan to experience Nepal's tourism offerings, cultural heritage and hospitality services.
Addressing the gathering, Mehta said Nepal has strong potential to become a leading destination for MICE tourism and destination weddings, citing its Himalayan landscapes, cultural diversity, spiritual attractions, hospitality infrastructure and proximity to India. He said hosting the convention in Kathmandu is expected to promote Nepal among India's and the global event industry while encouraging cross-border business partnerships.
Founded nearly 15 years ago, EMF Global organizes annual international conventions aimed at promoting host countries as venues for destination weddings, corporate events and MICE tourism.
The convention includes business networking sessions, destination presentations, industry exhibitions, knowledge-sharing forums and the EMF ACE Global Awards. Bollywood actors Shilpa Shetty, Shakti Kapoor and Vikrant Massey, along with Nepali actress Manisha Koirala, are expected to attend the event.
Former Nepal Tourism Board official Nandini Lahe Thapa said international conventions of this scale generate business for hotels, travel companies, event management firms and transport operators while enhancing Nepal's profile as a destination for international conferences, incentive travel and destination weddings.
