Reviving Tourism

The latest data from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) shows that 72,719 foreign tourists entered Nepal in August 2024, marking an 8.29 per cent increase from the same month in 2023. This figure remains 23.85 per cent lower than the tourist arrivals in August 2019. This difference highlights a sluggish recovery, especially considering the rapid rebound seen in other global destinations post-COVID-19 pandemic. The underlying issues affecting Nepal’s tourism revival are multifaceted. One of the most pressing concerns is the country’s air safety record. Frequent air accidents have not only tarnished Nepal’s image as a safe destination but have also led to a noticeable decline in the number of American and European tourists.