Nepal registered a slight rise in international tourist arrivals in January
Nepal saw an increase in foreign tourist arrivals in January, with a total of 79,991 visitors, according to a press statement issued by the Nepal Tourism Board. It adds that the arrivals this year mark a slight rise from the 79,100 tourists who visited during the same month last year.
The tourism board says that India topped the list of tourist arrivals, with 20,485 Indian visitors entering Nepal in January. China followed with 8,191 tourists, while the United States was close behind, securing third place with 8,063 visitors. The NTB says that other notable countries contributing to the influx of tourists included Bangladesh with 5,406 visitors, Australia with 4,301 visitors and South Korea with 3,756 visitors. Other key markets include the United Kingdom with 3,521, Thailand with 3,219, Bhutan with 2,768 and Japan with 1,570 visitors.
All tourists entered Nepal via air travel. Tourism continues to be a vital sector for Nepal’s economy, contributing significantly to foreign currency earnings and job creation. In 2024, Nepal welcomed 1.15 million foreign tourists.
According to NTB, with China declaring 2025 as the “Visit Nepal Year,” Nepal can capitalise on international marketing efforts to continue attracting tourists. This could lead to long-term gains as more people discover Nepal as a travel destination. Nepal’s tourism industry can look forward to a promising year, with increasing international interest offering significant economic and employment benefits, as well as opportunities for growth and development, it adds.