Tourist arrivals in Nepal has attained the highest level in eight years as a result of better planning and increasing air connectivity with other Asian nations.
Nepal Tourism Board revealed that in October 2008, the total number of tourist arrivals in Nepal rose to its peak value in eight years, as reported by EarthTimes.
In October 2008, a total of 50,567 tourists reached Nepal by air, representing an increase of 16.6% over the same period in 2007. The total figure of tourist arrivals during Jan-Oct 2008 exceeded 307,748, a growth of 4% on YOY basis. India, Nepal’s largest tourist market, showed a good performance by recording a 14% growth in October 2008. In a broader view, all the South Asian countries together posted a total increase of 26.3%.
Excellent planning by Nepal to lure the tourists is the primary reason for the surging number of tourist arrivals in the country. In an effort to attract visitors, Nepal started two new casinos, hosted several adventure sports such as mountain biking and Everest skydiving, and several international music and film festivals.
Further, a variety of religious places and the commencement of the trekking season are also supporting the tourism industry of Nepal to prosper. Also, the enhanced air connectivity of various Asian countries to Nepal has brought good results for its tourism industry. Nepal has become easily accessible with about a dozen airlines starting their services to Kathmandu.
Moreover, Lumbini located in south Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, attracts a large number of Buddhists to the country. The beautiful and fascinating mountain ranges of the Himalayas are also acting as a booster for the tourism sector by drawing a larger number of leisure tourists.
The current impressive performance is clearly indicating that the winter and spring seasons are likely to show positive results for the Nepal tourism industry as these seasons are considered as high time for trekking lovers. There is a greater probability that the total number of tourist arrivals in 2008 will break the previous year’s record.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “The tourism sector of Nepal is one of the major contributors to the country’s economy as it brings in millions of dollars to the country. It has also provided employment opportunities to thousands of people. Hence, the booming tourism sector of Nepal is a symbol of the economic development of the country.”
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