Nepal’s tourism industry witnessed more than 64% growth in 2008 as its scenic beauty and attractive landscapes lured a large number of international tourists.
According to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), tourist arrivals in Nepal increased by over 64% in 2008, as reported by The Himalayan Times.
In 2008, 8,13,561 tourists visited Nepal, 64.74% more as compared to 5,26,705 tourists in 2007. India, UK and US were the leading tourist generating markets for Nepal. India, accounting for 91,177 tourists, posted the highest number of visitors to Nepal. According to Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), this figure is 11.2% of the overall tourist arrivals recorded in 2008. France, Germany and Japan were the other countries that sent significant number of tourists to Nepal.
The major reason that enticed higher number of tourists to Nepal is the natural beauty of the country. Nepal is undoubtedly one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Walking rails, linking isolated settlements and villages, present a completely distinct and memorable experience to foreign visitors. Sky-scraping and snow-covered mountain peaks are the major tourist attraction in the country. Trekking is a popular tourist activity in Nepal that offers tourists an opportunity to experience its traditional and cultural wealth.
Moreover, wide varieties of flora and fauna are found in the country. Nepal’s attractive landscapes provide a heavenly environment to the tourists. Nepal’s wildlife reserves and parks serve as hotspots for foreign tourists. These reserved areas are nurtured as valuable and unmatched economic wealth of the country. These factors together are responsible for drawing a large number of international tourists to Nepal.
Additionally, tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers and various other related businesses are making their best efforts to promote the Nepalese hospitality all over the world.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “Nepal’s tourism grew positively in 2008 as its natural beauty attracted a large number of tourists. But the matter of concern is that tourist spots like reserves and parks are becoming degraded and lack of financial resources is hampering their proper management. Thus, measures should be taken to boost the nature tourism in Nepal. This will help it (the country) to gain both environmental and economic benefits.”
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