According to recent statistics from the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 940,732 foreign tourists visited Nepal in the first ten months of 2024. In October alone, 124,393 international tourists arrived, reflecting a 6.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
In October 2023, Nepal welcomed 117,306 tourists, showing significant recovery, with the current numbers reaching 92.96% of the pre-pandemic levels recorded in October 2019. During that period, 134,096 international tourists visited Nepal, showing a steady return to pre-COVID-19 levels, as stated by the Nepal Tourism Board.
Arrival Trends by Country
While the overall tourist arrival is considered satisfactory, board director Maniraj Lamichhane noted that adverse weather conditions early in October impacted the expected influx. “Despite October’s promising start, continuous heavy rainfall caused disruptive incidents, affecting tourism. However, we anticipate a surge in tourists in the remaining months of the year,” Lamichhane stated.
A closer look at visitor statistics reveals a decrease in Indian and Chinese tourists in recent months. In October, Nepal saw 16,313 arrivals from India, down from 22,984 in September—a 13% decline. August had recorded 25,832 visitors from India. Chinese tourist numbers also saw a dip, with October seeing 7,750 visitors from China, compared to 8,042 in September and 6,614 in August. The monsoon season is believed to have influenced these trends.
Increase in American Tourists
On the other hand, the number of American tourists rose significantly in October, increasing by 12.88% from the previous month, with 16,023 arrivals. In September, Nepal had welcomed 10,084 American tourists. The UK also contributed 8,019 visitors, followed by Australia with 6,929, Germany with 6,018, and France with 5,485 tourists. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Italy recorded 4,476, 3,112, and 2,635 visitors, respectively.
Monthly Tourist Arrivals
March marked the highest tourist arrival this year, with 128,167 visitors, while July saw the lowest number, with 64,599 tourists. Monthly arrival data for 2024 is as follows:
- October: 124,393 tourists
- September: 96,305 tourists
- April: 111,376 tourists
- March: 128,167 tourists
- January: 79,100 tourists
- February: 97,426 tourists
- May: 90,211 tourists
- June: 76,736 tourists
- August: 72,719 tourists
As Nepal’s tourism industry gradually recovers, these numbers reflect a positive trend and reinforce Nepal’s position as a desirable destination for global travelers. The tourism board remains optimistic that the remaining months will further boost this year’s tourist count, setting a strong foundation for 2025.
Source: RSS
