Rs 2 Billion Wyndham Resort Project Set to Transform Itahari into Eastern Nepal’s Hospitality Hub

A major hospitality project worth nearly Rs 2 billion is set to reposition Itahari as a leading destination for tourism, international conferences, exhibitions, and destination weddings in eastern Nepal.

The AB Hospitality–Wyndham Resort and Convention Centre, the largest of its kind in Koshi Province, has entered the construction phase after completing financial closure with support from Everest Bank Limited and Muktinath Bikas Bank Limited. The facility will have a capacity of up to 4,000 guests and aims to attract both domestic and cross-border visitors, particularly from neighboring Indian states.

Led by hospitality entrepreneur Desh Bandu Basnet, the project is envisioned as a strategic initiative to establish eastern Nepal as a regional hub for large-scale events and tourism. It builds on his previous international-standard ventures in Nepal’s hospitality sector.

Located in Itahari near the Bhatbhateni area, the convention centre is expected to fill a major infrastructure gap in the region, where large events are currently held mainly in Kathmandu or India due to limited facilities.

The project will also benefit from the rapidly growing Biratnagar–Itahari–Dharan economic corridor, which is seeing increased urbanization, trade, and investment activity. Developers believe improved connectivity and rising regional mobility from India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh will further boost demand.

In addition to business tourism, the resort’s location provides access to key attractions such as Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Bhedetar, Ilam tea gardens, and other scenic destinations, enhancing its appeal for combined leisure and event tourism.

Project leaders say the development will generate significant employment, attract further investment in allied sectors, and contribute to the broader economic transformation of eastern Nepal. Local project manager Prabhat Karki said the initiative was driven by a vision to address long-standing infrastructure gaps and promote development in Itahari.

Once completed, the resort is expected to redefine the hospitality landscape of Koshi Province and position Itahari as a competitive regional destination for high-end tourism and events.