Tourism on recovery path

Country’s tourism industry, which was on the brink of collapse after the earthquakes of 2015 and Indian blockade, is gradually coming back on track. The successful mountaineering season of spring 2016 has strongly disseminated message all over the world that tourism in Nepal is alive and kicking. Industry observers say the successful mountaineering season, which saw more than 400 climb Mt Everest, has helped boost country’s tourism image in the world arena.
According to Hotel Association Nepal – the apex body of hotels in the country, hotels are currently enjoying 50 percent economy. Though the occupancy rate is still below the 90 percent level witnessed in the same period of last year, it is the highest since the devastating earthquakes of April and May hit the country. The situation was further worsened by the agitation in Tarai district and Indian blockade.
March to May and September to November are considered the peak tourist seasons in the country. Looking at the rise in number of tourist arrivals in recent months, tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic of better days for tourism industry in the coming season.
There were altogether 34 expeditions to the Mt Everest this spring, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT). Similarly, a total of 1,432 mountaineers from 97 expedition teams had obtained permit to climb mountains above 8,000 meters, including Mt Everest (8,848 meters) this season. Along with more than 400 who reached the summit of Mt Everest this season, around 100 mountaineers reached the summit of Mt Annapurna, Mt Manaslu and Mt Makalu among others peaks.
Successful summits of Nepali mountains were covered by media outlets all over the world. Entrepreneurs are hopeful that it will be of great help to clear negative perceptions about Nepal among potential tourists due to negative coverage of earthquakes and Indian blockade.
Tourism entrepreneurs say the increasing movement of domestic tourists and positive vibes created by announcement of Visit Nepal Year 2018 will help the tourism industry immensely in the current season. Booking figures for the next season are improving, according to tourism entrepreneurs. Similarly, the lifting of negative travel advisories by the United Kingdom and the United States has also disseminated positive message about Nepal in the world tourism market. Tourism entrepreneurs also say the government decision to waive off visa fee of Chinese tourists will definitely lead to increment in number of Chinese visitors in the coming season.
Key indicators show tourism industry seems to be on the track of recovery. To make the growth sustainable, the government must launch effective promotional and marketing campaign in the international media. The industry should return to normalcy before Visit Nepal Year 2018 begins.