The increase in number of Nepalis international tourists is also attributed to affordable tour packages to countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Hamro Holidays, for example, offers a 4 nights 5 days package to Thailand starting from Rs 49,500 onward per person, including airfare, while a trip to Malaysia and Singapore for 5 nights 6 days begins at Rs 74,500 per person. It has also announced special package for USA, Australia, Europe, Japan, Turkey and Mauritius.
To make it easier for people to choose their holiday destinations, travel agencies have announced attractive packages that begin during the New Year period. According to travel agencies, the number of Nepalis going for vacation during this time of the year has increased significantly compared to few years back.
Suman Lal Shrestha, CEO of Hamro Holidays, said that Nepalis have started going for a vacation if they have a few days of holidays. "As this is the time of the year when children have their annual leave in school, most of the families prefer going to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore for 4 to 5 days." In a month, Hamro Holidays has sold holiday packages to around 50 families to visit Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
Bhola Bickram Thapa, chairman of President Group of Companies, said that Nepalis mostly travel to countries where visas are easily attainable and affordable.
"Nepalis these days travel immensely, be it within the country or outside the country. For New Year, people going to Pokhara and Chitwan, along with Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore has been steadily increasing," said Thapa, adding that around 20 families have purchased package international tour packages.
Other factors also make taking a vacation during New Year instead of Dashain more appealing. Nischala Karki, tour supervisor of Moonson Travels and Tours, said increased competition amongst airlines and travel agencies has brought down the prices of airline tickets and holiday package for international tours, making both domestic and international vacations more affordable.
According to various travel agencies, there are more Nepali tourists visiting Thailand and Malaysia than there are citizens of these countries visiting Nepal. According to Tourism Statistics 2013, 32,696 Nepalis went abroad for a vacation.
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