Kathmandu: Nepal witnessed a remarkable rebound in its tourism sector in 2024, attracting over 1.14 million foreign visitors. This marks the highest number of international tourist arrivals since the COVID-19 pandemic brought global travel to a standstill.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 1,140,724 tourists entered the country this year, averaging 3,000 daily arrivals. The figure represents a 14% increase compared to 2023, reflecting a strong recovery for Nepal’s tourism industry. The country came close to matching its pre-pandemic record of 1.197 million tourists set in 2019.

Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) shows that Nepal’s post-COVID tourism revival has reached 96% of pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the country’s success in regaining its position as a top global travel destination.

Several international events and festivals significantly boosted tourism numbers this year. These included the Nepal Premier League, the Global Buddhist Summit, the International Balloon Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival, which collectively drew thousands of visitors.

Director of NTB, Marin Raj Lamichhane, highlighted the steady daily arrivals as a positive sign of Nepal’s growing appeal among global travelers. He attributed the surge to Nepal’s strategic promotion of tourism and the increasing confidence of travelers post-pandemic.

The year’s success is an encouraging development for Nepal’s economy, as the tourism sector is a vital source of employment and foreign exchange earnings. With momentum building, stakeholders are optimistic that 2025 will continue the upward trend, fueled by more international events and sustainable tourism initiatives.