Nepal struggles to boost tourist arrivals despite global recognition

KATHMANDU: Nepal, known as a top global tourist destination, continues to face sluggish growth in tourist arrivals.

Despite a strong international reputation, the country has yet to witness significant improvement in numbers.

In 2024, Nepal welcomed 1,147,567 tourists, averaging 95,630 visitors per month, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

This is only a slight recovery from the pre-pandemic figure of 1,197,191 tourists in 2019.

While global tourism rebounded swiftly post-pandemic, Nepal’s pace remains slow, a concern echoed by tourism entrepreneurs.

NTB records show Nepal received 614,869 tourists in 2022 and 1,014,882 in 2023.

NTB Director Mani Raj Lamichhane attributes the slow recovery to lingering post-COVID effects but maintains that expectations have been met.

Psychological concerns from frequent road accidents have deterred Indian tourists, while China’s economic slowdown has also affected arrivals. However, recent initiatives to attract group travelers have shown promise.

Events such as the NPL cricket tournament have brought Indian visitors, and the Dragon Boat Race has drawn Chinese tourists.

In December 2024 alone, Nepal received 92,000 tourists. However, poor road conditions remain a significant issue.

Key routes from Kathmandu to major destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini are under reconstruction, causing delays and discomfort for travelers.

The deteriorating infrastructure and rising accident rates have led to negative publicity, directly impacting Indian arrivals. Additionally, expensive air travel further discourages international visitors.

Addressing these challenges is crucial to revitalizing Nepal’s tourism sector.