Tourist arrivals in Annapurna up

The number of tourists visiting Annapurna conservation area increased to 68,541 in 2008. In 2007, some 60,274 tourists visited the area.

“This upward spiral in arrivals of tourists cam be attributed to the restoration of peace in the country,” Lal Prasad Gurung, director, Annapurna conservation Area Project was quoted by RSS as saying.

The number of tourists visiting Lomathang of Upper Mustang of the conservation area rose by two times in 2008, it is said.

Closure of the checkpoint to Tibet, improving security conditions and cut in tourist fee are also attributed to the growth in the number of tourists visiting the Annapurna conservation area. nepalnews.com Jan 29 09