After a three-year break, there has been a noticeable rise in visitor numbers to Ilam, a popular tourist destination.
The most current data from the Tourism Information Center indicates an increase in the number of tourists—both local and foreign—visiting the Ilam district’s attractions. The influx of individuals from both inside and outside the area has been blamed for the rise in tourism-related activities.
Over the past few months, Ilam has seen an ongoing rise in the number of tourists. For example, in the fiscal year 2080/81, 85,326 tourists came to Ilam in just eight months.
Similarly, from Saun to Poush, the numbers stood at 74,777 domestic and 10,549 international tourists, respectively.
The influx continues with 1,289 visitors in Asoj, 2,145 in Kartik, 18,303 in Mangsir, and 36,122 in Poush, indicating a consistent flow of tourists throughout the year.
Prior to the pandemic, Ilam witnessed a remarkable tourism boom, with 133,445 tourists visiting in the fiscal year 2079/80, and 129,581 tourists in 2078/79. However, during the peak of the pandemic in 2077/78, only 29,811 tourists ventured to explore Ilam’s attractions.
These statistics only reflect tourists entering Ilam via designated entry points and do not encompass visitors to other areas within the district, such as Sukhani in Mai Municipality, Banjo in Mai Khola Rural Municipality, Pashupatinagar from Suryodaya Municipality, among others.
The number of tourists visiting the district has been increasing steadily over the past three years post-pandemic.
Both local and foreign tourists keep coming to popular tourist destinations in Ilam, including Kanyam, Shree Antu, Pashupatinagar, Fikkal, Sandakpur, Mai Pokhari, Dhap Pokhari, Panitar, Kuibhir, Gajurmukhi, and Mangmalingusta.
Although the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, Ilam’s tourism industry appears to be returning, as seen by the consistent increase in visitor numbers over the previous few years.
