The international convention center built at a cost of 1.11 billion NPR and the exhibition center costing nearly 1 billion NPR in Butwal have created significant potential to establish the city as a major hub for MICE tourism. With two cable cars, Manimukunda Sen Park, Jitgadhi, Hill Park, and Shankarnagar Botanical Garden, Butwal has built a strong foundation for MICE tourism. Tourism Minister Nyaupane stated that these infrastructures will elevate Butwal to a premier MICE tourism destination and boost tourism and the economy of Lumbini Province.
The international convention center, international exhibition center, and the two cable cars among other extensive tourist infrastructures in Butwal indicate the city’s potential to develop as a significant MICE tourism hub. The Butwal Convention Center is the first international standard convention venue outside Kathmandu. Located in Butwal Sub-metropolitan City Ward No. 10, the Butwal Mandap covers 6.5 bighas of land and includes a main hall with a capacity of one thousand people and 12 additional halls.
These infrastructures are expected to transform Butwal entirely into a center for MICE tourism. Butwal operates two cable cars, Lumbini and Siddhartha, that have become new tourist attractions for MICE tourism. It is unique in Nepal for having two cable cars in the same city.
MICE tourism refers to an acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions organized by various institutions, companies, or governments. Although MICE tourism is not yet widely recognized in Nepal, tourism entrepreneurs see substantial potential in it. Loknath Panthi, Chairman of the Butwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that using Butwal as a base will help funnel tourists toward destinations such as Lumbini, Pokhara, Palpa, and Gulmi, thereby promoting tourism throughout the region.
