Nepal took a significant step toward strengthening its digital tourism infrastructure
today as the PATA Nepal Chapter, NMB Bank Ltd., and VISA signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding digital payment adoption
across the country’s tourism and hospitality industry. The agreement was formalised
at NMB Bank’s Head Office in Babarmahal, Kathmandu, in the presence of senior
representatives from all three organisations.
The collaboration focuses on promoting NMB Bank’s Soft POS technology, a
contactless payment system that enables merchants to accept digital payments directly
through a smartphone. Designed to improve convenience and security, the system
aims to benefit hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, trekking operators, homestays, and
small tourism-linked vendors who often face challenges with conventional POS
devices.
Officials noted that the technology will make transactions smoother for both domestic
and international travellers, helping reduce cash dependency while improving the
overall service environment for tourism businesses.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Khem Lakai, Chairman of PATA Nepal
Chapter, Mr. Gobind Ghimire, CEO of NMB Bank Ltd., and Mr. Sabbir Ahmed,
Country Manager for VISA in Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Leaders from the three
organisations highlighted that the partnership represents a milestone in Nepal’s
ongoing digital transformation, particularly within the travel and tourism sector,
which relies heavily on secure and efficient payment systems.
They emphasised that enhancing digital transaction capabilities will not only support
small and medium tourism enterprises but also contribute to broader financial
inclusion. By encouraging digitisation across tourism touchpoints, the initiative aligns
with Nepal’s vision of promoting smarter business practices, improving transparency,
and building a more resilient tourism value chain.
The collaboration underscores the shared commitment of PATA Nepal, NMB Bank
and VISA to strengthen technological innovation in the sector and ensure that Nepal’s
tourism industry is better prepared for the future as travel continues to rebound
globally.
