Nepal’s tourism sector has experienced significant growth in international visitor arrivals in 2024, marking a promising year for the industry. According to preliminary data from the Department of Immigration, the total number of visitors to Nepal reached an impressive 1,147,567, surpassing the one million mark and representing a 13.1% increase over the same period in 2023. This rise in arrivals is a positive indication of Nepal’s growing appeal as a global tourist destination.
The growth has been particularly notable in the South Asian region. Arrivals from SAARC countries saw a solid increase of 5.9% compared to 2023, with a total of 417,845 visitors. Notably, countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka saw remarkable growth in arrivals, with increases of 33.9%, 42%, and 38.3%, respectively. However, India, which remains a key source of tourists, saw a slight decline of 0.7%, with a total of 317,772 visitors.
Visitor arrivals from China have seen a significant surge, with 101,879 Chinese nationals visiting Nepal in 2024, marking a substantial 67.3% increase over the previous year. Additionally, tourists from Thailand, Japan, and South Korea also showed considerable growth, with increases of 19.7%, 38%, and 14%, respectively, compared to 2023.
Europe has also played a significant role in the growth of Nepal’s tourism sector, with a notable rise in arrivals from key European markets. The total number of European visitors reached 206,841, showing an overall growth of 10.4%. Among the major European countries, the United Kingdom saw 57,554 visitors (up by 8.9%), Germany had 29,801 (an increase of 10.5%), and France recorded 25,126 (up by 8.5%). Other countries like Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands also contributed positively, with growth rates ranging from 6.3% to 12.7%.
The United States remains a strong source of visitors for Nepal, with 111,216 US nationals visiting in 2024, reflecting a growth of 10.8% compared to the previous year. Similarly, Canada saw an increase of 9.4%, with 16,074 visitors. In the Oceania region, both Australia and New Zealand posted strong results, with 43,980 and 4,231 visitors, respectively, showing growth rates of 13.4% and 18.4%.
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, attributed the impressive growth to the collective efforts and collaborative spirit that have shaped Nepal’s tourism revival. He noted that despite the pandemic being one of the most significant crises the industry has faced, Nepal’s tourism sector has achieved a remarkable 96% recovery of pre-pandemic visitor levels. Mr. Joshi emphasized that the collaboration between the government, the Nepal Tourism Board, the travel trade sector, and the media has been crucial in this recovery.
He further highlighted that Nepal’s image as one of the most preferred tourist destinations has been solidified by the significant growth in international arrivals. This achievement not only reflects the hard work of all stakeholders but also positions Nepal for further success in the global tourism market, ensuring continued growth in the years to come.
Source: NTB