The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter has initiated a baseline survey for the "Cross-Border Acceptance in Thamel" initiative, in partnership with VISA and supported by the Nepal Tourism Board, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, and the Thamel Tourism Development Council. This survey, launched on 17 March 2026, involves 30 tourism and hospitality students and aims to enhance digital payment adoption among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Thamel, a key tourism hub in Nepal.
Thamel attracts over 80% of international visitors to Nepal, yet many SMEs in the area struggle with digital payment systems and cross-border commerce. The survey will evaluate the current use of digital payments, merchant readiness, and identify challenges and knowledge gaps. It will also pinpoint merchants not yet accepting international card payments, facilitating their onboarding with acquiring banks.
Sabbir Ahmed, VISA's Country Manager for Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, stated, "Visa is committed to advancing digital payments that strengthen Nepal’s tourism ecosystem. Expanding cross-border acceptance in Thamel will make transactions easier for international visitors whilst helping local SMEs access new business opportunities."
Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, "We are committed to enabling our tourism SMEs to thrive in a digital-first global economy, with Thamel serving as a model destination."
The initiative will engage various businesses, including handicraft shops, retail outlets, and hospitality venues, to promote digital payment adoption. Future phases will include training programmes and capacity-building initiatives, aiming to create a replicable model for SME digital transformation across Nepal's tourism destinations
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