During the first half of 2023, Tourism of Nepal witnessed a remarkable increase in foreign tourist arrivals, providing a significant boost to the country's economy amid an ongoing recession. The Nepal Tourism Board reported a doubling in the number of tourists arriving by air compared to the same period in 2022, marking the highest figure since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

From January to June 2023, Nepal welcomed a total of 476,000 tourists arriving by air, reflecting the positive impact of tourism in the country. The months of March and April proved to be particularly popular, attracting around one lakh tourists combined. Notably, this year saw a substantial surge in mountain climbers and hikers, with the tourism department granting permission to 1,176 climbers from 80 different countries to ascend 28 mountains in the country, showcasing Nepal's appeal as a prime destination for adventure tourism. Among them, Mount Everest experienced the highest number of climbers ever, with 478 permits issued. This influx of adventurers led to a significant increase in traffic at Lukla's Tenzing Hillary Airport, with up to 412 landings from ships and helicopters, further boosting Nepal's tourism infrastructure.

In terms of nationalities, Indian tourists made up the largest group, accounting for 35.18% of the total arrivals, emphasizing the significance of the neighboring country in Nepal's tourism industry. Americans followed closely behind at 10.37%, and Chinese tourist arrivals also saw an upturn after their government permitted international travel. It is anticipated that their numbers will continue to rise in the coming months, given their previous status as the second-largest group of visitors to Nepal before the pandemic.

Overall, tourists from SAARC countries constituted 41.19% of the total arrivals, highlighting the importance of regional tourists for Nepal's tourism sector. Additionally, visitors from other Asian countries, Europe, American countries, Oceania, and other regions contributed significantly to the tourist influx, reflecting the country's global appeal as a diverse travel destination.

The surge in tourist arrivals is a positive indicator of the growth and resilience of Nepal's tourism industry, showcasing its ability to attract visitors despite economic challenges. The sector remains optimistic about continued growth in the future, which will further contribute to Nepal's economic revival through the tourism sector.

(Note: This article is based on information sourced from Naya Patrika Daily.)