Last year, only 3,203 tourists from China came to Nepal meaning additional 3,428 tourists came to Nepal, which is higher than additional arrivals from India, which stands at 2,311. [break]
Kishore Raj Pandey, CEO of Sathi Nepal Travels, which deals with Chinese tourists, said the Chinese New Year, which was in January this year, and increasing outbound tourism of China are the major contributing factors for the growth in tourist arrivals. “We have been receiving online bookings from individual travellers as well,” Pandey said that till a year ago booking was limited to groups only. He said most Chinese tourists are spending well and staying at least 6-7 nights.
However, India continues to be the market leader, with total arrivals of 10,216 in January, 2012, recording a growth of 24.3 percent compared to the same period last year.
Tourist arrivals to Nepal touched a new high for the month of January with total arrivals at 42,031, up by a robust 27.7 percent. Likewise, all regions have shown positive growth in the first month of 2012.
Arrivals from Asia excluding South Asian region saw a growth of 42 percent in aggregate. Arrivals from Japan, Singapore, Thailand and South Korea increased by 6.4, 5.2, 8.4 and 7.9 percent respectively. However, Malayasia registered negative growth of 13.5 percent in the first month of 2012.
European market recorded an overall positive growth of 22.8 percent. Number of visitors from this region in January was 7,904. Tourist arrivals from Australia, Canada and USA have also registered growth.
“Nepal has enjoyed a continuous positive growth in the international visitor arrivals since June 2009 and the trend continues in year 2012 too. These figures reflect rising confidence among international visitors and tour operators,” a statement of Nepal Tourism Board said.
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