Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Nepal recorded the arrival of 120,516 foreign tourists in March 2026, with strong growth from Asian markets helping sustain momentum despite global geopolitical tensions and travel disruptions, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
The latest data shows a notable surge in arrivals from South Asia and other Asian countries, underlining Nepal’s increasing reliance on regional tourism markets.
Tourists from SAARC countries accounted for 42,668 arrivals, representing 35.4% of total inflows. Among them:
Similarly, the “Other Asia” segment delivered 33,436 tourists (27.7%), with key contributors including:
Additional inflows from Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea also contributed to the positive trend.
Arrivals from Europe and the United States remained relatively stable but subdued, impacted by the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted international flight routes and influenced travel advisories.
Despite lower volumes, these markets continue to be critical due to their high-spending tourist base, significantly contributing to Nepal’s tourism revenue.
While the March 2026 figure is slightly below last year and pre-pandemic levels, it reflects resilience amid global challenges.
March–April is traditionally Nepal’s peak tourism and trekking season, attracting visitors for mountaineering, adventure tourism, and cultural exploration. However, this year’s growth has been constrained by:
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, said the current numbers are encouraging but require cautious optimism.
“While arrivals from Europe and the US have slightly declined, the rise in tourists from neighboring countries like India is a positive sign. We are prioritizing regional markets while strengthening our presence in high-value markets through international tourism marts,” he said.
Joshi also warned that prolonged global instability could impact future tourism flows, prompting the board to adopt a diversified and sustainable market expansion strategy.
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