March sees substantial rise in tourist arrival

With the country moving towards peace and stability, the number of tourists visiting Nepal via air route has increased significantly in the month of March as compared to the same period previous year.

According to data released by the Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport, the arrival of tourists increased by 33.5 percent in March 2007 as compared to March 2006.

A total of 34,122 international visitors came to Nepal last month, which comprised 20% Indians and 80% non-Indians.

The arrival of Bangladeshi tourists jumped up by 74.8% in SAARC segment– compared with the same period last year. Similarly, the arrival of Chinese tourists rose by 121.8%. The arrival of tourists from European markets also grew by 58.2%.

However, arrival of Indian tourists, the largest market of Nepali tourism sector declined by 5.3 %.

According to Nepal Tourism Board, the growth in arrivals is contributed by the improved air connectivity in the region, on one hand, and growing confidence among the international consumers towards the new era of peace and stability in Nepal, on the other. nepalnews.com pb Apr 05 07