The first seven months of 2024 have seen a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Nepal, with a growth rate of 21.22%. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 647,615 foreign tourists visited Nepal by July this year, compared to 534,207 in the same period last year.
In January, 79,100 tourists arrived, followed by 97,426 in February, 128,167 in March, 111,376 in April, 90,211 in May, 76,736 in June, and 64,599 in July.
The month of July 2024 witnessed an almost 12% increase in foreign tourist arrivals. The data provided by the Nepal Tourism Board indicates that the number of foreign tourists in July increased by 11.9% compared to the same month last year.
In July 2024, 64,599 foreign tourists visited Nepal, whereas the figure for July 2023 was 75,726. To put this in perspective, the number of foreign tourists in July 2022 was 44,462, in July 2021 it was 3,063, and in July 2020, amidst the pandemic, it was only 196. The pre-pandemic year of 2019 saw 70,916 foreign tourists visiting Nepal in July.
India remains the leading source of foreign tourists, with 21,491 arrivals in July 2024. The United States followed with 7,864 tourists, China with 6,819, the United Kingdom with 3,806, and Bangladesh with 3,470 tourists.
This surge in tourist arrivals highlights Nepal’s growing appeal as a travel destination and its successful efforts in promoting tourism despite global challenges. The continued increase in tourist numbers is a positive sign for Nepal’s tourism industry and its economic recovery.
