Nepal has reassured international travelers and the global tourism community that the country remains open for tourism despite the recent natural disaster that has severely affected several areas.
The disaster has caused loss of life, damage to homes and businesses, and disruption to livelihoods in affected communities. Authorities and tourism stakeholders have expressed solidarity with those impacted while highlighting the continued efforts of communities, security agencies, government bodies, and volunteers involved in rescue, relief, and recovery operations.
Most of Nepal Continues to Operate Normally
While certain areas have suffered significant damage, tourism stakeholders have emphasized that much of Nepal remains operational, with people continuing to live, work, travel, and welcome global visitors. The message comes amid concerns that reports of the disaster could create the perception that the entire country has been affected or that Nepal has been closed to global tourists. Tourism stakeholders have therefore urged international visitors to distinguish between the affected areas and the wider country, where tourism activities and daily life continue.
“Nepal Is Not Closed”
With a clear message to the international community, Nepal has stated:
“NEPAL IS NOT CLOSED.”
Tourism authorities have encouraged global travelers to continue visiting accessible and unaffected destinations, saying that tourism can play an important role in supporting communities during the recovery period.
According to the tourism sector, global visitors arriving in Nepal at this difficult time can contribute directly to local businesses, employment and livelihoods while also demonstrating solidarity with communities working to recover from the disaster.
Tourism Seen as a Source of Support During Recovery
The tourism industry remains an important source of income for thousands of businesses, workers and local communities across Nepal. Tourism stakeholders have said that continued visitor arrivals can help sustain hotels, restaurants, transport operators, guides, trekking agencies, handicraft businesses and other tourism-dependent enterprises.
For international visitors, a trip to Nepal at this time can therefore represent more than a conventional holiday. It can also provide economic support to communities and businesses that depend on tourism while helping restore confidence in Nepal as a destination.
Quick Response Team Operating at Tourism Ministry
A dedicated Quick Response Team has been established at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) to respond to tourism-related issues arising from the disaster. The team is working to facilitate coordination and provide necessary assistance as the situation develops. The mechanism is intended to ensure that tourism-related concerns are addressed promptly and that relevant information is communicated to visitors and stakeholders.
Tourist Information Desk Established at Nepal Tourism Board
A Tourist Information Desk has also been established at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DoT), Tourist Police and private-sector tourism stakeholders. The desk is designed to provide timely information, assistance and support to tourists and tourism stakeholders. The coordination mechanism is expected to help travelers obtain reliable information regarding destinations, access, safety conditions and available assistance, particularly as conditions in affected areas continue to evolve.
Global Tourism Community Urged to Stand With Nepal
Tourism authorities and stakeholders have called on Nepal’s international friends, visitors and the global tourism community to stand with the country during its recovery. They emphasized that continuing to visit unaffected and accessible parts of Nepal can help sustain tourism-dependent livelihoods and contribute to the country’s economic recovery. The message is not only a tourism appeal but also an effort to ensure that the disaster does not create an inaccurate perception that the entire country is unsafe or inaccessible.
“This Is a Time to Visit Nepal”
Nepal’s tourism community has reiterated a simple message to the world: Nepal remains open, welcoming, and ready to receive visitors in areas that are accessible and operating normally. As recovery efforts continue in affected areas, tourism is being positioned as one of the ways to support local communities and restore economic activity.
This is a time to stand with Nepal.
This is a time to visit Nepal.
Nepal is calling.
