Visitors` inflow to Nepal by air for the month of November 2006 recorded an increase of 6.9% compared to the same period last year. Indian visitors number increased by 1.5%, while the arrivals from…
Visitors` inflow to Nepal by air for the month of November 2006 recorded an increase of 6.9% compared to the same period last year. Indian visitors number increased by 1.5%, while the arrivals from rest of the world contributed the remaining growth. This was stated in the figures released by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation quoting Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport.
Out of 29, 407 visitors entering Nepal during November, the major market segments for the month were Indians (23%), Japanese (11%), British (8%), Americans (6.8%) and Germans (5.9%).
In terms of growth, the Asian segment seems to have grown substantially last month. Including India, the chief contributors of growth from Asian countries were China (42.2%), Japan (42.4%), South Korea (46.2%) as well as other Asian markets. Few markets to observe decline from Asia were Bangladesh (-24%), Sri Lanka (-18%) and Malaysia (-62.8%).
On the other hand, even though the European market registered a marginal decline of 3%, growth were observed from the Netherlands (14.3%) and Spain (65.3%). Arrivals from the Scandinavian region also remained positive while some declines were observed from France (-5.2%), Germany (-1.6%) and UK (-16.3%).
The Australian arrivals too remained positive (36.7%) during the month, followed by 15% gain in arrivals from North America.
Tourism is gaining momentum in Nepal as witnessed not only from the increased arrival figures but also with the establishment of peace and stability in the destination. Travel trade sources in Nepal predict that with the signing in of peace accord and a way forward for permanent peace and settlement, there will be encouraging increase in booking for next month as well as next season.
