Kathmandu, Nepal – In a momentous achievement, Nepal welcomed over one million tourists in the calendar year 2023, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s tourism industry. The notable surge in arrivals is attributed to the reopening of China’s borders and a record influx of visitors from India, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
The official announcement came as the arrival numbers surpassed the million mark on December 27, 2023, signaling a remarkable recovery for the tourism sector. This marks the third occasion that Nepal has achieved the feat, with the previous instances occurring before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The last time Nepal recorded over a million tourist arrivals was in 2018, when 1.17 million foreign tourists explored the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of the country. In 2019, the numbers rose slightly to 1.19 million, driven by improved flight connectivity with various Chinese cities. The flourishing trend, however, was abruptly halted by the global COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, which brought international travel to a standstill.
Nepal experienced a severe decline in tourist arrivals during 2020 and 2021, welcoming only 230,085 and 150,962 tourists, respectively, due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. However, the year 2022 witnessed a promising resurgence, with foreign tourist numbers surging to 614,869.
The recent milestone underscores the resilience and adaptability of Nepal’s tourism sector, demonstrating its ability to bounce back from the setbacks inflicted by the pandemic. The reopening of China’s borders and the substantial influx of visitors from neighboring India played pivotal roles in revitalizing the industry.
Nepal’s captivating landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality continue to attract travelers from around the globe. The achievement of welcoming one million tourists in 2023 not only signals a revival for the country’s tourism but also serves as a positive indicator for the global travel industry, showcasing the gradual recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
