KATHMANDU, Jan 3: In 2023, Nepal witnessed the second-highest influx of tourists from the US, totaling 100,357, contributing significantly to surpassing the country's target of hosting over 1 million tourists.
However, the recent issuance of a revised travel advisory by the US government, urging citizens to exercise caution when visiting Nepal, has raised concerns about its potential impact on the number of visitors from the US. The advisory, issued by the US Department of State on December 18, highlights potential political unrest in the country.
Experts assert that the US government routinely informs its citizens about prevailing conditions when traveling abroad. They speculate that recent events, such as the earthquake in the Karnali region and associated civil unrest in Kathmandu, may have influenced the issuance of the new advisory.
Former Ambassador of Nepal to the US, Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada, played down the potential repercussions, stating that such advisories are part of a regular review process by the US government, occurring every six months or as deemed necessary. He emphasized that the advisory is less likely to deter visitors as there is currently no widespread violence or reported foreign-targeted activities in Nepal.
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Dr Khatiwada highlighted the absence of recorded attacks on US citizens or tourists, suggesting that the advisory is unlikely to significantly impact Nepal's international standing.
But the concerns over the impact of travel advisory on the number of arrivals from the US to Nepal persist.
A section of tourism entrepreneurs in Nepal argue that the advisory could have negative consequences, as US nationals typically take such advisories seriously. An owner of a travel agency in Kathmandu, preferring not to be named, expressed concern about a potential impact on the number of US visitors in the coming months.
But the officials at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) are not convinced that this will actually take down the number of US visitors.
Maniraj Lamichhane, director of Nepal Tourism Board, argued that there is no need to panic, likening the advisory to a parental warning before exploring new places. He emphasized that US tourists continue to visit Nepal, asserting that the country is safe for everyone.
The US Department of State issues four different levels of travel advisory systems. The Level 2 advisory issued against Nepal on December 18 suggests the possibility of peaceful political demonstrations escalating into violence in Nepal. It highlights the potential use of force by Nepali authorities during such events.
US citizens are strongly discouraged from participating in demonstrations, as well as from engaging in solo trekking or mountain climbing. Additionally, the advisory underscores adherence to the Nepali government's requirement for solo or foreign independent travelers to enlist the services of a local guide or porter when trekking in parks or protected areas of Nepal.
Although the US is geographically far apart from Nepal, the number of tourists visiting Nepal is on the steady rise, with the number of arrivals reaching more than double in the past one decade. While a total of 49,830 tourists from the US visited Nepal in the year 2013, the number reached 93,380 in 2019. The number of visitors from the US marked another milestone in the year 2023, with a total of 100,357 US tourists visiting Nepal.
