Nepal Tourism Board - Press Release

Visitors Arrival in March 2005 (by air only)

A total of 20,137 visitors arrived to Nepal by air in March 2005. Compared to the visitors' number of previous month, it was a net addition of 6,136 visitors. In comparison with previous year March however, the decrease is by 35%. The figures in March shows a softening in decline in both the segments where third country arrival is down by 31% and Indian arrival is down by 49% compared to the same period last year. This was stated in the provisional figures provided today by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, quoting Immigration Office, TIA.

March's softening in decline trend speaks of the gradual increase in traveler's confidence towards Nepal. Moreover, some of Nepal's major traffic generating markets have shown positive results or remained quite unaffected for the month. The growth in British visitors' arrival by 13% indicated the returning confidence of the market towards Nepal. The Austrian (2%) and the Chinese (1%) were the next two positive performers of the month. The German (-6%), Dutch (-2%) and Spain (-5%) remained to be the least affected markets. However, the US (-39%), Japan (-50%), France (-49%), Australia (-56%) and ROC (-72%) became sharply affected during the month.

Nepal's promotion in Bangladesh during the Dhaka Travel Mart last month is also attracting more and more Bangladeshi travelers to Nepal. The "Buy One, Get One Free" ticket with free casino coupons is also getting popular day by day.

Given the gradual increase and continuation in traveler's confidence towards Nepal, the tourism industry in Nepal shall again cater to an increasing visitor's number, in the coming days.