Ongoing conflict and rising tensions in the Middle East have begun to significantly impact international air travel, leading to a noticeable decline in tourist arrivals in Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital. The disruption has come at a crucial time, during the country’s peak spring tourism season.
Sharp Drop in Bookings Amid Travel Uncertainty
According to Krishna Prasad Acharya, President of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Gandaki chapter, nearly 50 percent of foreign tourists who had planned to visit Pokhara have cancelled their bookings due to the conflict in the Middle East.
He explained that many international tourists, particularly from Europe and the United States, rely on transit routes through Middle Eastern countries. With escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, flight cancellations and safety concerns have prevented many from traveling to Nepal.
“If the situation continues, the tourism sector could face a crisis similar to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Acharya warned.
Trekking Destinations Turn Quiet During Peak Season Due To Conflict In the Middle East
The decline in tourist arrivals has severely affected trekking regions, including the popular Annapurna Conservation Area. Normally bustling during the spring months of March and April, these areas are now witnessing unusually low footfall due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Spring is considered the best season for trekking tourism in Nepal, attracting thousands of foreign visitors. However, the ongoing geopolitical tensions have disrupted travel plans, leading to a sharp drop in arrivals during what is typically one of the busiest times of the year.
Daily Tourist Arrivals Nearly Halved
Maniraj Lamichhane, Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province Office, stated that daily tourist arrivals to Nepal have fallen dramatically. Previously, around 3,500 to 4,000 tourists entered the country each day during the peak season. Following the Middle East tensions, the number has dropped to between 1,800 and 2,000.
“Tourists from Western countries traveling via Middle Eastern transit hubs have decreased significantly,” Lamichhane said. “If the conflict is not resolved, Nepal’s tourism sector could face a deeper crisis.”
Impact on Key Transit Hubs due to Conflict in the Middle East
Major international transit hubs such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have been affected by the conflict, disrupting flight connectivity to Nepal. These hubs play a crucial role in connecting long-haul travelers from Europe and North America to South Asia.
Officials estimate that between 70 and 78 percent of tourists visiting Nepal also travel to Pokhara, making the city particularly vulnerable to such global disruptions due to conflict in the Middle East.
Travel Industry Faces Operational Challenges
Raju Thapa, Chief Executive Officer of Da Vinci Tours and Travels, highlighted the operational difficulties faced by both tourists and travel companies. He noted that flight cancellations have become increasingly frequent, and alternative routes are often expensive and less convenient.
“Many travelers are cancelling pre-booked trips due to safety concerns and rising travel costs,” Thapa said. “Even tourists already in Nepal are facing difficulties returning to their home countries.”
Need for Diversified Tourism Strategy
In response to the crisis, tourism authorities are considering new strategies to diversify Nepal’s tourism market. Lamichhane revealed that the Nepal Tourism Board is working on plans to promote Nepal in Southeast Asian countries to reduce dependency on traditional Western markets.
Experts believe that the current situation underscores the need for a more resilient and diversified tourism strategy to withstand global uncertainties.
Growing Concerns for the Tourism Sector
Industry stakeholders warn that prolonged instability in the Middle East could have far-reaching consequences for Nepal’s tourism-dependent economy. As the situation evolves, authorities and businesses alike are closely monitoring developments and preparing contingency plans to mitigate further losses.
