Kathmandu: In the first half of the fiscal year 2022/23, Nepal welcomed a total of 476,000 foreign tourists, as reported by the Nepal Tourism Board. This number reflects a significant increase compared to the same period in 2022, which saw only 240,901 visitors. However, it is important to note that the tourist influx in 2022/23 remains lower than the figures recorded in 2019.

During the period from January to June 2019, Nepal experienced a substantial tourism boom with 536,058 visitors. This represented a remarkable 97.79 percent surge in comparison to the tourist arrivals in 2022/23. Nevertheless, the current visitor count still indicates a 16.93 percent decrease from the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic towards the end of 2019, Nepal's tourism industry faced significant challenges. The number of tourists visiting the country witnessed a sharp decline in the subsequent years. In 2020, only 220,815 visitors were recorded during the same period, representing a substantial drop from previous years. The impact of the pandemic continued into 2021, where tourist arrivals dwindled to 58,058. While the situation improved slightly in 2022, with 240,901 tourists visiting Nepal, it was still far below the levels seen before the pandemic.

Despite the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the recent increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2022/23 offers a glimmer of hope for Nepal's tourism industry. The country's unique cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and adventure tourism opportunities continue to attract travelers from around the world. Efforts to ensure the safety of visitors through health protocols and vaccination campaigns have likely contributed to the gradual recovery of the sector.

As the situation evolves and travel restrictions ease, Nepal's tourism industry remains optimistic about the future, anticipating a resurgence in international visitor numbers. Continued investments in promoting Nepal's tourism offerings, along with effective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists, will play a crucial role in reviving and sustaining the country's tourism sector.