Gandaki: The Annapurna region celebrated a historic milestone in 2023 as it welcomed an unprecedented 191,558 tourists, marking the highest number of visitors in its tourism history. This surge in tourist arrivals reflects a remarkable recovery from the setbacks inflicted by the global COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry.

According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the region experienced the second-highest influx of tourists in 2019 with 181,000 visitors. The latest figures indicate a positive rebound, with the tourism industry in the region thriving.

Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of ACAP, noted a significant rise in South Asian visitors, reaching 97,554 in 2023 compared to 53,710 in 2019. However, arrivals from other countries slightly declined from 127,290 in 2019 to 94,004 in 2023.

Annapurna welcomed visitors from 173 countries, with the highest number (96,187) hailing from India. Other notable contributors included France (8,526), Germany (7,641), the United States of America (7,249), the United Kingdom (7,174), and China (6,323).

Despite concerns about diminishing appeal for European and American tourists due to expanding roadway facilities, the region remains one of the world's top tourist destinations. The Annapurna Circuit Trek, covering destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghodepani, Tilicho Lake, Thorong-La Pass, Upper Mustang, and the Muktinath region, attracts thousands of tourists annually.

Dr. Kadariya expressed challenges in accurately determining the number of domestic tourists but noted a significant increase during peak months, especially with improved road access to Mustang and Manang.

Listed as one of the world's 10 best tourist destinations, the Annapurna region gained global attention following a visit by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The region was also featured in CNN's list of the top 23 destinations to visit in 2023.

Tourist guide Divas Gurung emphasized the region's enchantment for tourists, citing its natural beauty, biodiversity, Himalayan way of life, and cultural richness.