Nepal's tourism industry witnessed a strong rebound in 2024, fueled by significant growth in international arrivals from key markets such as China, Europe, and the United States.
Preliminary data from the Department of Immigration reveal that Chinese arrivals surged by 67.3% to 101,879, reaffirming China’s position as a vital source market. In contrast, Indian arrivals, Nepal’s largest regional market, fell slightly by 0.7% to 317,772.
In total, Nepal recorded 1,147,567 international tourists in 2024—around 13% increase from the 1.01 million visitors in 2023. This marks a 96% recovery of pre-pandemic levels, signaling a near-complete revival of the tourism sector.
Visitors from SAARC countries significantly contributed to the recovery, with 417,845 arrivals—a 5.9% year-on-year increase. Notable growth came from Bangladesh (33.9%), Bhutan (42%), and Sri Lanka (38.3%).
Other Asian markets also posted substantial gains. Tourist arrivals from Thailand rose by 19.7%, Japan by 38%, and South Korea by 14%, adding to the overall growth momentum.
Europe remained a critical region for Nepal’s tourism sector, contributing 206,841 visitors in 2024, a 10.4% increase. The United Kingdom led with 57,554 visitors (up 8.9%), followed by Germany (10.5%), France (8.5%), Italy (11.8%), Spain (12.7%), and the Netherlands (6.3%).
North America also showed strong growth. The United States contributed 111,216 visitors, marking a 10.8% increase, while Canada saw a 9.4% rise, with 16,074 arrivals.
Oceania markets displayed similar growth patterns. Australia recorded 43,980 visitors (up 13.4%), while New Zealand contributed 4,231 tourists, an 18.4% increase.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reported 30,730 international landings and takeoffs in 2024. On the domestic front, TIA achieved a record 560 flights in a single day, while domestic passenger numbers exceeded 4 million for the year.
“Despite the pandemic being the most significant crisis in the history of the tourism industry, we have achieved a remarkable 96% recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels,” said Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
Looking ahead, the NTB aims to intensify marketing in traditional markets such as the US, UK, and Europe. Efforts include inviting media representatives, influencers, and celebrities to promote Nepal as a global tourism hub.
Expanding the Chinese market remains a top priority. Initiatives like "Visit Nepal in China Year 2025" are expected to drive arrivals beyond pre-pandemic levels. “China holds immense potential, and we are committed to tapping into it through innovative programs and collaborative events,” said NTB Director Mani Raj Lamichhane.
To enhance visitor experiences, the NTB plans to curate experiential travel packages and host international events, including balloon festivals, boat races, and travel marts. These initiatives aim to showcase Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting a more diverse audience.
However, tourism entrepreneurs report that the rise in tourist footfall has not translated into the expected room occupancy in hotels.
“Occupancy is at most around 60 percent in general, which is significantly lower than the 2019 levels,” said Bijaya Amatya, CEO of Kora Tours. “Tourism stakeholders now need to adopt a creatively aggressive approach to marketing the destination to boost occupancy, generate higher revenue, and encourage longer stays.”
This news has been updated to add the last two paragraphs.
