Tourism Info Nepal

Increased Tourist Visits to Chitwan National Park During Bharatpur Visit Year 2024

Increased Tourist Visits to Chitwan National Park During Bharatpur Visit Year 2024

Bharatpur Metropolitan City is celebrating Bharatpur Visit Year 2024, and this initiative has resulted in a significant increase in visitors to Chitwan National Park. The metropolitan city’s extensive promotional campaigns, both domestically and internationally, have successfully attracted more tourists.

According to Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, the Information Officer of Chitwan National Park, the number of tourists entering the park increased by approximately 7,000 in the fiscal year 2080/81, reaching a total of 306,837 visitors. In the previous fiscal year 2079/80, the park recorded 299,412 visitors. Out of the total, 27,956 tourists entered through Bharatpur Metropolitan City, an increase from 23,257 in the previous fiscal year. This represents a more than 20% increase in tourists entering the park via Bharatpur compared to the previous year.

In contrast, the increase in tourists entering through Sauraha was only 0.94%. Last year, 274,299 tourists entered through Sauraha, up from 271,731 in the previous year, marking an increase of only 2,568 tourists.

Bharatpur Metropolitan City Mayor Renu Dahal attributed the increase in tourist numbers to the extensive national and international promotional campaigns conducted as part of the Visit Year. The city launched the Visit Year on Fagun 18, and Mayor Dahal anticipates even greater impact in the upcoming tourist season. “The number of tourists will certainly increase in the main season ahead,” she stated. The city formed an International Coordination Subcommittee to promote Chitwan globally, distributing promotional materials and logos in over 30 countries and involving leaders of the Non-Resident Nepali Association from more than 60 countries as subcommittee members.

Mayor Dahal credited the promotional activities led by the metropolitan city for the increase in tourist numbers. Over 55 events, excluding sports, were organized in the city during the Visit Year, benefiting local hotel businesses directly. Deputy Mayor Chitrasen Adhikari noted that the Visit Year revitalized Bharatpur’s tourism activities, which had slowed down after the closure of the Tiger Tops hotel. He emphasized the city’s success in promoting Bharatpur as the primary gateway to Chitwan National Park, which has about a 50-kilometer border.

“The Visit Year has shown its impact, with increased tourist numbers and a more active economy. The Visit Year has positively contributed to the economic, social, and cultural aspects of Chitwan,” Deputy Mayor Adhikari said.

Dr. Bishwo Subedi, a tourism expert at Bharatpur Metropolitan City, highlighted the positive impact of national and international promotions on the tourism sector. He emphasized the need for continuous efforts to promote and expand tourism in Chitwan, given its immense potential. Dr. Subedi also mentioned the city’s plans to prioritize religious tourism, including the Devghatdham Festival, jungle safaris, and marathon runs to further boost tourism.

To enhance the Visit Year experience, rescued tigers have been placed in Devnagar for public viewing, attracting large crowds. Additionally, the historic Diyalo Bangla has been opened to the public, becoming another significant tourist destination.

In light of the current economic downturn, the Bharatpur Visit Year has stimulated the tourism industry and the broader economy in Chitwan and surrounding areas. Bharatpur Metropolitan City aims to leverage this year’s experiences and feedback to implement creative and constructive programs for the future development and expansion of the tourism sector.

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