Tourists' arrival increases by 11 pc

Tourists' arrival to Nepal in the first four months of 2008 has increased by 11.15% as compared to the arrival figure of same period last year.

Analyzing the total number of arrivals in the first four months of this year, it shows 1,28,802 visitors to Nepal with an increment 11.15% than the total arrival of the same period of last year, said a press release issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on Tuesday.

However, tourists' arrival in April reached to 32,665 which is a marginal decrease of 1% as compared to same month last year. 

"Taking the data into consideration, the main reason for the decrease in arrival might be the prediction of uncertainty in the minds of travelers due to our Constituent Assembly (CA) polls," said the NTB release.

Arrivals from European Sector remains unchanged with almost the same figure as compared to the April 2007.

Arrivals from Australia and New Zealand increased by 51% while the North American market (USA and Canada) increased by 25%.

France grew up by 21%, Austria with 20%, Netherland & Israel with 28%, Switzerland with 66%, Spain with 25%, but UK, Sweden & Germany decreased by 20%, 31%, and 20% respectively.

Likewise, arrivals from Asian countries have declined by 18%. Arrival from the SAARC countries also declined by 14% though Bangladesh recorded an increment of 60% which may be the positive impact of the recent Bangladesh Sales Mission program.

“We are still hopeful of getting a healthy growth in days to come," said the NTB press release, adding, " the successful completion of the Constitutional Assembly Election with peace being reinstated in the country will definitely give a good message to the potent travelers and also to the travel trade fraternity of the world."