Nepal achieved a significant milestone in tourism as foreign tourist arrivals surpassed one million in 2023, marking a recovery for the Himalayan nation's tourism sector, severely impacted post the COVID-19 pandemic. Maniraj Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), announced the accomplishment on Wednesday, emphasising that Indians constituted the largest group of visitors.
Lamichhane added that the government's goal of attracting one million foreign tourists in 2023 was achieved three days prior, making it the highest number of arrivals since 2019. All the arrivals were by air, signifying a rebound for the tourism industry, which faced considerable challenges due to the pandemic.
In the first six months of 2023, Nepal registered a significant increase in number of Indian tourists as 1,68,000 tourists from across the border visited the country by air compared to 97,313 visitors during the same period in 2022, official data showed.
The Nepal Tourism Board said the Himalayan nation received a total of 4,76,481 foreign tourists by air in the first six months of 2023. This marked an 83% rise compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
Lamichhane acknowledged that the tourism sector rebounded swiftly, highlighting the impact of effective marketing on the increased arrivals. He also pointed out that the resumption of international flights from Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports could further boost visitor numbers.
Despite international conflicts affecting the tourism sector, Lamichhane emphasized that the government successfully met its set targets for the year. He disclosed that, of the total arrivals in 2023, 30% comprised Indian guests, showcasing a notable increase compared to previous years.
In 2019, 254,000 Indian tourists visited Nepal, and this number has now surpassed 300,000 in 2023. Additionally, arrivals from other countries, including the United States and China, also experienced an uptick compared to previous years.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" acknowledged the government's success in attracting tourists while presenting achievements in the first year of his administration on Tuesday. The positive trend in tourism arrivals signifies a remarkable recovery for Nepal's tourism industry, offering optimism for the continued growth of the sector.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
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