Nepal Tourism soars: Over 1.14 million visitors in 2024

KATHMANDU: Nepal recorded a remarkable influx of over 1.14 million tourists in 2024, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

By this morning, the total arrivals stood at 1,147,024, marking a significant resurgence in the country’s tourism sector.

Director of NTB, Marindra Raj Lamichhane, stated that Nepal received an average of 3,000 tourists daily.

He noted a 14% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2023.

The latest figures place 2024 as a pivotal year for Nepal’s tourism recovery, with numbers nearing the 1,197,191 tourists recorded in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 2020 to 2022, Nepal’s tourism industry was nearly paralyzed by the global health crisis, making this rebound especially noteworthy.

Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveals that Nepal’s tourism sector has recovered by 96% in the past six months, a strong indicator of the industry’s revival.

Major events such as the Nepal Premier League (NPL), the World Buddhist Conference, the International Balloon Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival, along with various national and international exhibitions, have significantly contributed to this growth in tourist numbers.

Nepal’s recovery demonstrates its resilience and growing appeal as a global destination.