TORONTO — Community Homestay Network is taking final applications from Canadian travel advisors to join Community Connect 2025, taking place in Nepal, May 18 – 28.

Not only will agents get to attend the annual Community Connect Summit in Kathmandu to learn more about community tourism in Nepal, they’ll also experience homestays firsthand on the new eight-day itinerary ‘Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts and Nature.’

Community Homestay Network is Nepal’s leading homestay and immersive local experiences operator. Locally owned and operated, Community Homestay Network currently has 50 different experiences available to book with 40 communities in 23 destinations operating community homestays, and 10 communities providing cultural experiences led by local artisans to showcase their culture and traditions.

The founder of Community Homestay Network, Shiva Dhakal, says community tourism is a powerful force that goes well beyond travel.

“Community Tourism is about building bridges between cultures, fostering mutual respect, and creating opportunities to support local communities. It is through meaningful connections that we safeguard heritage, support empowerment and ensure that tourism leaves a positive and lasting impact,” says Dhakal.

The eight-day ‘Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts and Nature’ itinerary is one of three new offerings from Community Homestay Network. The other two are ‘Rural Life with the Locals: A Journey through Narchyang and Hemjakot’, and ‘Eastern Nepal: The Road Less Taken.’

Community Homestay Network’s site is https://communityhomestay.com. Sales and agent partnership inquiries and rates are available at info@communityhomestay.com.

To apply to take part in Community Connect 2025 and the opportunity to experience Nepal homestays firsthand, travel advisors are asked to email Aayusha Prasain at info@communityhomestay.com with their agency name explaining why they are passionate about this region of the world, by end of day on April 30, 2025.