Nepal sees tourist arrivals by 30% after deadly clashes

Seizing the initiative to better communicate to the world

On September 15, representatives of the newly formed Nepal’s government, tourism authorities, and private-sector leaders convened in a meeting to accelerate the recovery of the country’s key tourism industry.

During the meeting, Tourism Secretary and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Chairman Hari Prasad Mainali pledged to remove policy obstacles, strengthen public–private cooperation, and use digital outreach to showcase Nepal as a safe destination.

NTB Vice Chair Ram Prasad Sapkota urged new tourism packages and embassy engagement, reported Reuters. Pokhara NTB Chief Maniram Lamichhane stressed however that trekking routes and adventure sites remain secure. Hotel Association head Binayak Shah assured that service quality is intact despite losses.

Representatives from PATA, TAAN, and the Kailash Tour Operators Association highlighted the need to promote Nepal internationally, safeguard travelers, and support the Kailash pilgrimage.

As calm returns, Nepal hopes to save the peak season

Nepal receives 1.2 million annual tourist visits and the sector contributes almost 8% of GDP. September to December is considered the peak tourist season. Nepal’s trekking trails include the base camp of the world’s highest mountain Mount Everest, drawing adventurers to the heart of the Himalayas.

As calm returned in Nepal under the newly appointed interim government led by Sushila Karki, Nepalese authorities and business owners are hopeful of tourists returning rapidly. Especially as Kathamandu International Airport is again linked to the rest of the world. Air carriers from the Gulf, India, Sri Lanka, as well as Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International already resumed flights.

“We have to be very honest while communicating … if the situation is not good, the industry will never say visit us,“ Nepal Tourism Board Joshi added when asked by Reuters.