According to the Nepal Tourism Board, this time around, the figure has crossed the mark of one million international tourists in the first eleven months of 2024. There were 1,055,533 tourists arriving from January to November, indicating a stable recovery in the country’s tourism sector post-pandemic.
Image source: Nepal Tourism Board
Despite this remarkable achievement, the ambitious target of 1,315,000 tourists for the year appears difficult to meet. The NTB projects an additional 70,000 arrivals in December, bringing the total to approximately 1.115 million tourists for 2024.
November was a standout month, with 114,000 visitors—a 5.4% increase compared to the same month in 2023. NTB Director Maniraj Lamichhane noted that tourist arrivals this year are expected to be 10% higher than the 1,014,871 visitors recorded in 2023.
Nepal’s tourism industry has rebounded impressively, recovering 96% of its pre-pandemic levels, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This recovery rate outpaces that of the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting Nepal’s resilience. While 2024 may fall short of breaking the record set in 2019 with 1,197,191 arrivals, the sector’s growth signals a promising future.
With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Nepal continues to attract global travelers and make strides toward a full tourism recovery.
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