Tourist arrivals in Nepal soar in 2024, reaching 1.15 million

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s tourism sector has made a strong recovery in 2024, with 1.15 million foreign tourists visiting the country, marking a significant 14 percent increase compared to 2023.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 1,147,567 international visitors came to Nepal from January to December, a clear indication that the tourism industry is bouncing back after the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The surge in tourist arrivals surpasses the numbers seen in 2023 when 1,014,871 foreign tourists visited the country, and even comes close to pre-pandemic figures from 2019 when Nepal welcomed 1.19 million visitors.

Marinraj Lamichhane, Director at the Nepal Tourism Board, attributed the impressive recovery to enhanced marketing efforts, strategic initiatives like the Nepal Premier League (NPL) and regional tourism promotions, as well as a series of events including the Buddhist Conference, the International Balloon Festival, and the Chinese Dragon Festival.

Additionally, the Nepal Tourism Board facilitated over 800 chartered flights, further contributing to the influx of tourists.

“The tourism sector has bounced back stronger than ever, with arrivals recovering 96 percent of pre-pandemic levels. This is a remarkable achievement compared to the global recovery rate of 93 percent as reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO),” said Lamichhane.

The highest number of tourists visited Nepal in March, with 128,167 foreign visitors, while July recorded the lowest number at 64,599. Other notable months included October, with 124,393 tourists, and November, with 114,501 arrivals.

The successful recovery of Nepal’s tourism industry signals optimism for the year ahead, as the country continues to bolster its position as a key travel destination in South Asia.

Monthly tourist arrivals in 2024: