Nepal experienced a significant surge in international tourism in September 2024, with a total of 96,305 foreign tourists arriving via air travel, marking a historic milestone for the country. According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), this is the highest number of international arrivals ever recorded for the month of September, surpassing all previous records. This impressive growth highlights the increasing global interest in Nepal as a premier travel destination, known for its rich cultural heritage, adventure tourism, and breathtaking landscapes. The record-breaking figures reflect a robust recovery in the tourism sector, which has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years, driven by strategic marketing efforts and the reopening of international travel.

In comparison to September 2023, when 91,012 foreign tourists visited the country, this year’s arrival numbers represent an approximate 6 percent increase. The NTB attributes this growth to the continuous promotion of Nepal’s tourism offerings, along with improvements in infrastructure and services catering to international travelers. The increase in tourist arrivals is a promising sign for the nation’s economic revival, as tourism plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and contributing to overall development. With such positive trends, Nepal is poised to strengthen its position as a top travel destination, attracting more global visitors in the coming months and years.

Nepal saw its highest influx of international tourists in 2019, with a remarkable 1.197 million foreign visitors arriving throughout the year. This marked a record-breaking year for the country’s tourism industry, showcasing its growing appeal on the global stage. During September 2019 alone, 92,604 foreign tourists arrived in Nepal, reflecting the strong interest in the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism during that period.

These figures underscore the significance of 2019 as a peak year for Nepal’s tourism sector before the challenges posed by global events. The high visitor count in September of that year contributed to the overall momentum, further establishing Nepal as a sought-after destination for travelers from all over the world.

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) highlighted that the tourism sector had faced significant setbacks in recent years due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted international travel. In September 2020, Nepal recorded a historic low of just 584 foreign tourists, as global restrictions and safety concerns kept travelers at bay. A slight recovery followed in 2021, with 9,907 foreign visitors arriving in Nepal during September, though the numbers remained far below pre-pandemic levels. By September 2022, the situation improved considerably, with 58,314 tourists visiting the country, signaling a gradual resurgence in global travel confidence and interest in Nepal as a travel destination.

This year, the NTB reported a notable increase in the number of European and American tourists, contributing to the ongoing recovery of the tourism industry. The rise in visitors from these regions reflects a renewed enthusiasm for Nepal’s unique offerings, from its trekking routes and mountain adventures to its rich cultural experiences. With more foreign visitors returning, Nepal’s tourism sector is seeing promising signs of revival, offering hope for a stronger recovery as global travel continues to rebound. This upward trend underscores Nepal’s enduring appeal to international travelers and the sector’s crucial role in the country’s economic development.

This September, Nepal welcomed 17,104 European tourists, reflecting a significant increase from the 15,276 who visited during the same month last year. According to official statements, this marks a 12 percent rise in European visitors compared to September 2023. The boost in European tourist numbers underscores the growing appeal of Nepal as a destination for those seeking cultural and adventure experiences, particularly as the global tourism sector continues its recovery.

American tourist numbers have also seen a notable surge this year. In September 2024, 11,549 American visitors arrived in Nepal, a substantial 36 percent increase from the 8,473 who visited in the same period last year. The rise in both European and American visitors points to Nepal’s increasing popularity across different regions. From January to September 2024, Nepal has attracted over 816,000 foreign tourists, with a total of 816,639 visitors entering the country. Monthly data shows a steady upward trend, with 79,100 arrivals in January, 97,426 in February, and a peak of 128,167 in March, highlighting the country’s steady progress in reviving its tourism industry.

In April, Nepal saw 111,376 foreign tourists arriving, while May welcomed 90,211 international visitors. The influx slowed slightly in June, with 76,736 arrivals, followed by 64,599 visitors in July. In August, the number of foreign tourists increased to 72,719, showing a gradual upward trend as the tourism season progressed.

September witnessed a notable spike, with 96,305 foreign tourists entering Nepal, marking a significant step toward the government’s ambitious target of attracting 1.6 million international visitors for the current fiscal year. This steady growth in tourist numbers reflects Nepal’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its tourism industry and position itself as a leading destination for global travelers.

Decrease in Indian Tourist Arrivals

This year has seen a noticeable drop in the number of Indian tourists visiting Nepal. According to NTB Director Lamichhane, the arrival of Chinese tourists has also fallen compared to the previous year.

Lamichhane reported that in September 2023, 28,694 Indian tourists visited Nepal. However, this September, there has been a 20 percent decline, with only 22,984 Indian travelers entering the country. This significant decrease highlights a shift in travel patterns among Indian visitors this year.

The number of Indian tourists visiting Nepal has declined compared to August of last year. In August 2023, 25,832 Indian visitors traveled to Nepal, but this year the figure has dropped to 22,984, reflecting a noticeable decrease in arrivals.

Chinese tourist arrivals have also been impacted, showing a slight decline. In September 2023, 8,174 Chinese visitors came to Nepal, but this number dropped to 8,042 in August, indicating a modest reduction in the flow of tourists from China.

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