The 18th edition of the Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival  is set to be held from December 26 to 30. 

Organised by the Regional Hotel Association Nepal, Chitwan and co-organised by United Hatti Sanchalan Sahakari Sanstha Limited and the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal, the five-day festival is expected to boost tourism activities.

The festival, which began over two-and-a-half decades ago, was halted for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Resuming last year, the festival has played a significant role in reviving tourism in Sauraha, organisers said during the press conference on Tuesday, Nvember 26. The festival contributes to a 25-30 percent tourist growth each year. 

This year, the organisers plan to promote the festival using digital technology, and discourage the use of plastics.

The main attraction of the festival will be the 80 elephants, both privately and government-owned. 

Chitwan district is renowned as a hub for biodiversity and wildlife tourism.