Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is hosting the “Buddhist International Travel Mart” from May 11-13, in an attempt to promote tourism in the area. The event, supported by Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Association of the Tour and Travel Agents, is expected to cost around Rs 16m, and will feature presentations on tourism promotion and potentialities in Nepal and Lumbini, as well as a B2B event. Over 200 attendees including tourism entrepreneurs, Buddhist Bhikchus, and representatives from Buddhist associations, as well as tour operators and national tourism council representatives from over a dozen countries will participate. The event will be inaugurated by Lumbini Province Chief Minister, Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary.