The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has released the international visitor arrival statistics for May 2025, revealing a significant surge in tourism and underscoring Nepal’s resilience and renewed global appeal.
May 2025 Sees 95.6% Recovery in Tourist Arrivals
According to the report, Nepal welcomed 86,216 international visitors in May 2025, a notable milestone that marks a 95.6% recovery compared to the same month in 2024. Even more encouraging, this figure exceeds pre-pandemic levels by reaching 110% of the arrivals recorded in May 2019. These numbers not only highlight Nepal’s strong recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic but also confirm the country’s growing reputation as a safe, welcoming, and rewarding travel destination.
January to May 2025: Over Half a Million Tourists Visit Nepal
The cumulative International Visitor Arrivals (IVAs) from January to May 2025 stand at an impressive 501,264, reflecting consistent growth across the first half of the year. This performance showcases sustained confidence among global travelers in choosing Nepal for diverse experiences ranging from adventure tourism to cultural exploration and spiritual journeys. The NTB has emphasized that such numbers signal renewed vibrancy in Nepal’s tourism ecosystem, fueled by ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, service quality, and international outreach.
India Leads as Top Source Market, Followed by USA and China
A closer look at the country’s tourist-generating markets in April 2025 sheds light on the geographic diversity and growing interest among travelers from both neighboring and distant nations. India continues to lead as Nepal’s largest source market, contributing 28,160 visitors, which makes up 32.7% of the total arrivals for the month. The United States follows as the second-largest market, with 9,074 visitors (10.5%), highlighting growing interest from North America. China, a traditional tourism partner, accounted for 8,824 visitors (10.2%), while Bangladesh and the United Kingdom contributed 4,280 (5.0%) and 3,473 (4.0%) visitors respectively. This distribution underscores the strength of Nepal’s appeal across both regional and long-haul markets.
Regionally, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries played a significant role, collectively contributing 34,350 visitors, which accounts for 40% of total international arrivals in April 2025. This indicates the importance of regional cooperation and proximity in tourism revival. The broader Asian market (excluding SAARC) also showed a robust presence with 18,069 arrivals (21.0%), driven in part by Nepal’s improved connectivity and marketing efforts targeting Asian travelers.
European countries remained an essential source of visitors, with 13,330 arrivals (15.5%) in April. This reflects continued interest in Nepal’s unique cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and trekking opportunities, particularly from adventure and heritage tourists. The Americas recorded 10,842 visitors (12.6%), signaling a growing trend among North and South American travelers seeking immersive and nature-based experiences in Nepal. Other regions such as Oceania contributed 2,984 visitors (3.5%), the Middle East 1,515 (1.8%), and Africa 337 (0.4%). An additional 4,789 arrivals (5.6%) were recorded under the “Others” category, further illustrating the global footprint of Nepal’s tourism.
NTB has expressed its appreciation for the collective efforts of all stakeholders who have contributed to the country’s tourism revival. These include government agencies, travel trade professionals, airlines, local communities, and hospitality providers. Their coordinated initiatives have been instrumental in maintaining momentum and attracting visitors from around the world. NTB attributes the growth to a mix of strategic promotional campaigns, enhanced flight connectivity with major international hubs, and consistent efforts to elevate the overall tourist experience in Nepal.
According to NTB officials, the organization is committed to maintaining this upward trajectory by focusing on sustainability, quality service delivery, and market diversification. As part of its strategic vision, NTB has also prioritized inclusive tourism that benefits local communities and promotes Nepal’s cultural and natural assets responsibly. Special attention is being given to digital marketing, international travel fairs, and influencer collaborations to sustain global visibility and appeal.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth and Continued Promotion
The record-breaking figures in May 2025 demonstrate that Nepal is not just recovering but thriving in the post-pandemic tourism landscape. With renewed energy, commitment, and cooperation among stakeholders, Nepal is steadily moving towards its goal of becoming a year-round destination for travelers of all kinds. Whether for high-altitude trekking, spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or eco-tourism, the Himalayan nation continues to attract the global community with its timeless charm and unmatched hospitality.
As Nepal progresses into the peak summer and autumn tourism seasons, industry experts anticipate further growth in arrivals, especially with new flight routes being launched and international events set to take place. NTB encourages all travelers to explore the diverse offerings of Nepal, ranging from the majestic mountains and serene lakes to centuries-old heritage sites and vibrant festivals. The upward trend in tourism statistics offers renewed hope for the sector and paves the way for a more sustainable and inclusive tourism-driven economy.
