Nepal’s Tourism Rebound: An 8.3% Surge in August 2024

Nepal is experiencing a positive revival in its tourism sector, with a significant 8.3% rise in tourist arrivals in August 2024, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). This marks a promising uptick compared to August 2023 when 67,153 tourists visited the country, reaching a total of 72,719 tourists this year.

However, this surge is still below pre-pandemic expectations, with tourism officials emphasizing that the recovery remains slower than anticipated. Mani Raj Lamichhane, Director of NTB, expressed concern that despite the steady growth, the revival has not met the levels seen in 2019. “The tourist arrival increased this August, but not at the pace we hoped,” Lamichhane said, highlighting the need for stronger marketing efforts, particularly toward Western nations.

Breakdown of Tourist Arrivals

India continues to be the largest source of tourists for Nepal, contributing 35.5% of the total arrivals in August, with 25,832 tourists. China and the U.S. followed with 9.1% and 7.7%, respectively, while countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UK also contributed significantly. The total regional distribution for August shows:

• South Asia (SAARC): 48.4%

• Asia (other regions): 17.34%

• Europe: 13.7%

• Americas: 8.8%

• Oceania: 2.9%

August’s growth is part of a larger trend, with 720,300 tourists visiting Nepal in the first eight months of 2024, compared to 601,000 over the same period in 2023. The highest tourist influx occurred in March 2024, with 128,176 arrivals.

While the numbers are improving, they are still far from pre-pandemic levels. Nepal’s tourism sector is gradually recovering from the devastating impact of COVID-19, which saw arrivals plummet to as low as 150,700 in 2021/22. For comparison, in fiscal year 2019/20, 1.19 million tourists visited Nepal, with that number sharply declining in subsequent years due to the pandemic.

Looking Forward

The path ahead for Nepal’s tourism sector is one of cautious optimism. With increased international arrivals, there’s potential for further growth, but key issues like safety and infrastructure must be addressed to attract more high-value visitors from diverse markets. By focusing on marketing campaigns and enhancing travel conditions, Nepal can continue to strengthen its appeal as a top travel destination.