Nepal’s Tourism Nearly Fully Recovers in 2025: International Visitor Arrivals Show Positive Growth
Kathmandu – Nepal’s tourism sector posted a strong performance in 2025, with 11,58,459 international visitors recorded throughout the year, signaling a near-full recovery to 97% of pre-pandemic levels. The data, released by the tourism authorities, reflects a modest increase over 2024, highlighting steady momentum in the post-pandemic revival of the industry.
December Peak Shows Growth
The month of December saw 98,190 international arrivals, up 7% from December 2024 and closely matching December 2019 figures. Authorities noted that the winter travel season continues to attract both regional and international tourists, contributing significantly to foreign currency inflows.
Top Source Markets
India remained the largest source of tourists, accounting for 25.2% (2,92,438 visitors) of total arrivals. Other key markets included the USA (9.7%), China (8.2%), UK (5.1%), and Bangladesh (5.0%).
The dominance of South Asian travelers, particularly from India, underscores the importance of cultural and geographical proximity, while the growth from China and the USA highlights Nepal’s renewed appeal to long-haul and high-spending visitors.
Regional Distribution
- South Asia (SAARC): 35.2%
- Asia (Other): 21.9%
- Europe: 19.1%
- Americas: 11.7%
- Oceania: 4.6%
- Middle East: 1.8%
- Africa: 0.4%
- Others: 5.5%
The data shows that while regional neighbors dominate arrivals, Europe and the Americas continue to contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings, given their higher per-capita spending.
Tourism Drives Foreign Investment and Revenue
Financial indicators further highlight tourism’s economic impact. From Shrawan to Kartik 2082, Nepal earned NRs. 27,152.55 million in foreign currency. During Shrawan–Mangsir 2082, foreign direct investment commitments in tourism reached NRs. 30,263 million across 476 projects, reflecting growing investor confidence in Nepal’s tourism infrastructure and market potential.
Comparisons With Pre-Pandemic and 2024 Levels
- Total IVAs 2025: 11,58,459 (97% of 2019 levels)
- December 2025 IVAs: 98,190 (up 7% from Dec 2024, 97% of Dec 2019)
- Regional reliance on SAARC: 35.2%, slightly below pre-pandemic levels, indicating gradual diversification of markets.
Outlook for 2026
Tourism experts suggest that Nepal can further capitalize on its recovery by diversifying source markets, promoting off-season travel, and attracting high-value tourists from Europe, the USA, and China. With continued foreign investment and improved connectivity, the sector is well-positioned for sustainable growth.
“The 2025 figures are encouraging, but there is still room for expanding our visitor base beyond South Asia and maximizing revenue from high-spending tourists,” said a senior official from the Nepal Tourism Board.
Nepal’s tourism sector, long a pillar of the economy, is now approaching pre-pandemic strength, setting a positive tone for 2026 as the country seeks to boost foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and enhance its global tourism profile.
