Indian tourist numbers plunge as Nepal reels from unrest
Nepal recorded fewer visitors from India during the initial 10 months of this year, while total international arrivals barely increased, according to figures from the Nepal Tourism Board. Indian travelers represent approximately one-quarter of all foreign guests to the Himalayan country. Between January and October, arrivals from India fell 11 percent year over year to reach 243,350 people. Total international visitors climbed just 0.3 percent to 943,716 during that span.
Travel industry representatives attributed the drop to civil unrest during early September that resulted in more than 70 deaths and damaged public and commercial buildings. Properties operated by Hyatt and Hilton sustained severe harm, with one location burned completely. Umesh Danai, who runs Speedy Tourism and Travels, said four Indian groups abandoned their plans following the demonstrations. Khum Bahadur Subedi from Unique Adventure International reported that land border crossings remain lower as security worries persist among potential visitors.
September saw tourist numbers decline 18.3 percent overall, with Indian arrivals dropping 32.3 percent that month. Chinese visitors also decreased, falling 5.3 percent to 78,929 for the January through October period. The tourism board launched a recovery campaign and conditions improved by October when Indian arrivals rebounded with 6 percent growth. However, American and Chinese visitor numbers continued declining.
