Nepal aims to climb to two million tourists by 2020

Nepal has come up with a 2020 goal to boost its tourism prospects by initiating a complete revamp of promotional strategies.

Despite being one of the most beautiful countries in the world, blessed with a range of natural attractions, the country has not been able to make a big mark when it comes to tourism. It now hopes things will change as the government has come up with novel strategies to change the face of tourism in Nepal.

The goal

The 2015 earthquake was a huge blow to the tourism industry in Nepal, but after four years, the government has made strategic plans to regain its lost status by hoping to host at least two million tourists in the year 2020.

While the vision is ambitious, Nepal has all the requisite elements that make for a perfect tourist destination, and the government is planning to develop international and domestic promotional steps to improve tourism in the country – a move that will also be of good news to travellers.

Rafting in Nepal

Mission tourism

Nepal is planning to target its immediate neighbours India and China to boost its tourism as both countries are a lucrative source of travellers and tourists. It is also focusing on the markets of Zurich, Paris and Brussels by organising the ‘Nepal Sales Mission’. Apart from tapping these markets, other initiatives include introducing a hiking trail for disabled people in Pokhara and doubling up the tiger population in tiger reserves.

Steps are also being taken to improve infrastructure – Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu will extend its services for an additional three hours to improve its convenience for tourists, and hotel rooms will also be increased. A new chain of international hotels will also be introduced to improve the status of tourism in the country.

Tourist offering

Tourists will find a wide array of places to visit in Nepal. Everest, the world’s highest mountain peak is an obvious draw, but Nepal also boasts a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful flora and fauna and the perfect environment for adventure sports such as the Everest Marathon, mountaineering, hiking, paragliding, rafting, mountain hiking and more.