Healthy growth in international tourist arrivals continues

The upward trend which is already seen in January 2011 continues in the second month of the year 2011 showing clearly the rising travel demand towards the destination. Nepal has enjoyed a sustained positive growth in the international visitor arrivals since June 2009.

The figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal that visitor arrivals in the month of February 2011, compared to the same month last year, have increased by 12.2% to 37,584.

All regions have shown positive growth in the second month of 2011. India which constitutes the major market of Nepal, has recorded positive growth of 39.9 % along with Bangladesh with 14.4%. However, the arrivals from Srilanka and Pakistan have declined by 27.0% and 7.1% respectively. In aggregate the South Asian segment has registered a positive growth of 31.8%.

Arrivals from Asia (other than South Asia) have also recorded positive growth of 2.0% in aggregate with mixed performance from the individual countries. The visitor's arrivals from China have increased by 2.0%. Similarly, the arrivals from Japan, South Korea and Thailand have also increased by 5.2%, 29.9% and 39.6% respectively. However the arrivals from Malaysia and Singapore declined by 36.0% and 7.0 % respectively.

An overall positive growth of 6.3% has been observed from the European markets with arrivals from major generating markets such as the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Russia up by 20.1%, 10.6%, 3.0%, 44.3%, 71.0%,6.9% and 83.8% respectively. However, the arrivals from France, Italy and Denmark have declined by 16.2%, 35.8% and 2.8% respectively compared to the same month last year.

Tourist arrivals from Australia and Canada have increased by 11.4% and 22.4% respectively whereas the arrivals from USA and New Zealand saw negative growth of 4.5% and 27.4% respectively.

Between January to February 2011, international tourist arrivals to Nepal have risen by 18.4% to 70,498 representing an additional 19,935 against the same two- month period in 2010.

A total of 38,183 foreign tourists departed from TIA in February 2011. The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 54,262 while 56,625 Nepalese departed from TIA in February 2011.

NTB organizes Sales Mission in Central/Western India

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) successfully organized Sales Mission in three cities of India - Pune, Nagpur and Ahamadabad from February 21-25, 2010. The mission went off well with lot of query and interest especially for Nepal Tourism Year 2011.

A press conference and B2B session which was well attended by media and key travel trade entrepreneurs were held at Pune, Nagpur and Ahmedabad on February 21, 23 and 25, respectively during the Sales Mission.

Amidst the presence of top agents and the media, Mr. Diwakar B. Rana, Sr. Manager of Nepal Tourism Board highlighted the latest developments in the sphere of Nepalese tourism and the overall objectives of Nepal Tourism Year 2011.

A lot of responses and enquiries by mainly the media and trade to Nepal were entertained during the program, mainly focusing on the connectivity and special offers to Indian nationals from the Central/Western India. The safety and security of potential Indian travelers were ensured through the medium of presentations and interactive sessions made by Mr. Rana. With the ever more airlines serving the Indo-Nepal sector and broad-gauge railway connection to Nepali boarder topped with good overland connectivity, the NTY objectives of having 3 Lakhs Indian Tourist arrivals is reachable with effective promotions in Indian markets.

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) chapters representatives of the Pune, Nagpur and Ahmedabad actively participated in the event and affirmed Nepali counterparts that they would promote Nepal more aggressively in the year 2011 to support Nepals latest endeavor. Six travel trade companies - Eco-Trek International, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, Icefall Adventures, Jai Mata Di Tours & Travels, Nebuti Travels Pvt. Ltd and Samrat Tours & Travels Pvt.Ltd. from Nepal focusing in India participated in the said Sales Mission.

This latest promotion campaign is one of the regular programs conducted by NTB in the India market.

Nepal Participates in TITF Thailand

Nepal Tourism Board along with Nepal Airlines and Red Lion Travel and Tours (P.) Ltd participated in the Thai International Travel Fair (TITF) 2011. The fair was held in the Thai capital city of Bangkok from 24th -27th February 2011. TITF is a top tourism fair in the regional and the global level. It is dedicated for trade and tourism promotion among the consumers and operators.

TITF 2011 confirmed its role as a privileged marketplace for tourism sector. About four million people visited the fair. There were 1132 exhibitors stalls along with seventeen National Tourism Organizations. The fair showcased various products in tourism and gave special platform to tour operators, travel agencies, MICE, hotel chains and airlines. The fair was curiously observed by individuals and agencies participated.

Our participation in TITF 2011 focused on garnering support and cooperation from all travel trade fraternity, press and general public for our mission of enhancing sustainable and eco- friendly tourism image of the country. Nepal stall got a remarkable response in the fair. The visitors were very curious about the situation in Nepal. Many questions about Nepalese tourism and Nepal Tourism Year 2011 were raised. Many serious concerns about arranging their trips to Nepal were observed. Some tour companies has shown great interest to operate tour packages in Nepal in the upcoming holiday for Thai and among them Thai Orchid Tour who is also promoting Iran has informed us that they will have MoU with one big company in Nepal for ground handling and will start massive tour package in Nepal from the mid of this year and seek support from NTO and National Carrier.

NTB along with the participating companies made their active participation in the fair.

Mr. Lila Bahadur Baniya (Manager) and Mr. Santosh Kumar Ghimire (Asst. Manager) represented Nepal Tourism Board in TITF 2011. 9th TITF is going to take place on August 2011.

Thousands of devotees throng Pashupatinath temple Kathmandu

Tens of thousands of devotees, including those from India on March 2 worshipped at Pashupatinath temple, regarded as the most sacred temple of Lord Shiva, on Mahashivratri, one of the most popular Hindu festivals. Over 500,000 people, including Naga sadhus, worshipped Shiva at the fifth century Hindu shrine with many queueing up outside the temple since 2 am. Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav was amnong those who visited the temple early in the morning.

Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu shrine in Nepal and also listed in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site list. Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), which manages the the fifth century Hindu shrine, said over 4,000 security personnel have been put into action while 5,000 volunteers were mobilised to ensure the day passes off smoothly.

In Kathmandu, people observed the festival by organising camp fire at different cross roads and preparing variety of delicacies. "The festival which is celebrated with the massive participation of entire Hindus is a special day for the devotees and pilgrims coming from various parts of the country and abroad for worshipping the Lord Shiva," Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal said in his message on the occasion.

He expressed hope that the festival will also significantly enhance religious tourism and international brotherhood by preserving religious and cultural values. Meanwhile, Nepal Army today celebrated Army Day with a variety of programme at Tundikhel Open Ground. President Yadav and Prime Minister Khanal also observed a parade by Nepal Army on the occasion.

In this Issue :

Healthy growth in international tourist arrivals continues

NTB organizes Sales Mission in Central/Western India

Nepal Participates in TITF Thailand

Thousands of devotees throng Pashupatinath temple Kathmandu

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