Nepal Tourism Rebounds in 2024 Despite Challenges

Nepal welcomed approximately 1.15 million tourists in 2024, an 8.8% rise from 2023, reflecting post-COVID recovery. However, Indian visitor numbers slightly declined due to disruptions like landslides and accidents. The tourism sector, crucial for Nepal’s economy, has shown significant resilience, recovering 99% of pre-pandemic visitor levels.

Nepal's tourism industry is showing signs of recovery, with the country welcoming 1.15 million tourists in 2024, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). This represents an 8.8% increase over the previous year, a positive signal after the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the number of Indian tourists, a significant source of visitors, saw a slight decrease of almost 1%. Mani Lamichhane, a director at the NTB, attributed this decline to natural disruptions, including road accidents and landslides. Two buses carrying Indian tourists went missing in the Trishuli river in July, and heavy monsoon rains in September led to landslides that claimed around 250 lives.

Overall, the data indicates a strong industry revival, with tourist arrivals nearly matching pre-pandemic levels from 2019. Tourism remains a vital sector for Nepal, contributing significantly to GDP and foreign exchange earnings, despite falling short of the government's target of 1.6 million tourists in 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)