The Nepal tourism industry grew steadily during first nine months of 2008 because of rise in the number of tourists from India and other countries, and increase in flights to Nepal.
The Nepal Tourism Board revealed that the country recorded a 2% increase in the total number of tourist arrivals during January-September 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007, as reported by EarthTimes.
Although the country witnessed a slump in tourist arrivals during April-July 2008, but the trend soon reversed and September saw an increase of 1% in the number of visitor arrivals. Further, the total number of tourists arriving by air, from January to September 2008, reached 257,181, while about 50,000 tourists reached Nepal by land.
Moreover, the number of tourists from India, the largest tourist market for Nepal, increased significantly by 14% in September 2008. On the other hand, the number of tourists from South Asian region, the USA and Canada rose by 13%.
This impressive rise in the number of tourist arrival is due to the starting of tourist season in the country. Also, the varied landscapes of this Himalayan country, such as Terai plains and the Southern regions of the Northern Himalayas, make it a leading tourist hub and attract tourists from all over the world.
The volume of tourists visiting Nepal also surged due to increase in the number of flights. In particular Bangkok to Kathmandu flight of Thai Airways International has contributed to this phenomenal growth by making it more convenient for the travelers to visit Nepal.
Nepal tourism industry is expected to continue to move ahead strongly surge in future too. As this is currently tourist season, the country is projected to see a rise in tourist arrivals till November 2008. In addition, the Nepal government is working out to increase the number of flights which will also strongly promote the tourism industry of Nepal.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “The favorable climatic conditions and geographical positioning of Nepal give it an edge. Moreover, growth in tourism industry is a good sign as tourism is the country’s biggest foreign exchange earner. It is also worth noting that in Nepal, several thousands of people are earning their livelihood through this industry. So the industry growth will open up more employment opportunities for the country’s youth.”
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