Sustained Increase in Visitor Arrivals in August 2011

The figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal that visitor arrivals in the month of August 2011, compared to the same month last year, have increased by 26.4% to 43,487.

The arrivals from South Asian region have gained overall positive growth of 38.7% with mixed performance. Arrivals from India, the major tourist generating market of Nepal have increased by 50% compared to the same month last year. Whereas the arrivals from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have registered negative growth of 20.9%, 11.7% and 1% respectively in comparison to the same month last year.

Asia other than South Asian region has also maintained the upward trend with the growth of 57.2% in total. A noteworthy growth of 157.6% has been seen from China in August 2011 compared to the same month last year. Likewise, the arrivals from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand have also registered positive growth of 9.5%, 95.2%, 51.6% and 55.6%. The only country to decline was South Korea with10.7% compared to the same month in 2010.

Regarding the long-haul markets, Europe registered overall positive growth of 0.9 % with major source markets showing positive trend in terms of visitor arrivals. Arrivals from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden and UK were up by 28.2%, 16.2%, 51.5%, 9.3%, 7.5%, and 3% respectively whereas the arrivals from France, Netherlands, Russia and Spain were down by 13.8%,11%,31.2% and 10.3%. A growth of 7.9 % has been observed in the arrivals from the European region during the first eight months of 2011, in comparison to the same period last year.

The figures also show increasing trend in the visitor arrivals from Australia and New Zealand with a growth of 19.7% and 7% respectively. Similarly the United States of America and Canada have registered positive growth of 16.9% and 33% respectively.

It should be noted that, there has been steady rise in visitor arrivals in the beginning of the month, January, of this year. This trend has been continued throughout in year 201, Jan-August, recording cumulative growth of 24.6%.

A total of 49,858 foreign tourists departed from TIA in August 2011.The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 52,811 while 64,326 Nepalese departed from TIA in August 2011.

Great Himalayan Trail- World’s best long walks

Lonely Planet chosen Great Himalaya Trail, Nepal has one of the world’s best long walks for 2011. In its website, it describes 1,700 km long Great Himalaya Trail as, ”Mountain walking doesn’t get much better: a traverse of the world’s highest range. Launched in 2010, the GHT spans the Nepalese Himalaya, passing rhododendron forests, high-altitude lakes, 8,000m peaks and the remote communities that call them home – providing vital income and support. Do the lot in 160 days, or choose one of ten tantalising sections.” Other included int the list are: Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica, St Paul’s Trail, Turkey

Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia, South West Coast Path, UK Via Francigena, Europe, Continental Divide Trail, USA and Trans Canada Trail, Canada

Discussion on Chitlang Tourism Development organised

To promote domestic tourism and Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Sustainable Tourism Network (STN) in coordination with District Development Committee (DDC), Village Development Committee (VDC) – Chitlang, Home Stay Development Committee – Chitlang organized a half day Sharing / Presentation Program at Nepal Tourism Board on 29th August 2011, Monday.

The invitees were all the STN members, government officials from DDC, VDC, reporters and other private entrepreneurs.

Mr. Ram Krishna Thapa – Chief of Planning Dept. DDC, Makwanpur highlighted on Tourism Products of Makwanpur District whereas Mr. Govinda Pokharel – Secretary of Chitlang VDC highlighted on the Formation of Tourism Development Committee of Chitlang VDC. Mr. Bijaya Pradhan – Executive Chairman and Mr. Buddha Ratna Manadhar made the power point presentation on Chitlang Tourism Development.

After the presentation, documentary on Chitlang was shown to the participants. Later the floor was open for discussions. The feedbacks which came from the participants will be incorporated in the future development plan of Chitlang and its surroundings.

Hindus, Muslims celebrate Teej, Eid

Two religious communities celebrated their important festivals on Wednesday. Hindu women celebrated Teej while Muslims observed Eid-Ul-Fitr.

The Pashupati temple area in Gaushala was bathed in red, the colour of dresses devotee women wore. Married women and unmarried girls were seen dancing to traditional and modern Teej songs. Women worshipping Lord Shiva observe strict fast—most even without having water, for the wellbeing of their husbands.

Sunam Dhakal of Gangabu, who was dancing enthusiastically on the Pashupati premises, said, "I desperately wait for this day. I enjoy the activities on the day in their entirety."

Women enjoyed the occasion singing and dancing while others tirelessly waited in serpentine queues for their turn to worship at the Shiva temple. Some were seen drinking water at stalls to beat the scorching heat.

Volunteers were helping women who had difficulties keeping up the fast. “Why does one have to be on fast when they can’t tolerate hunger?” a passer-by commented while volunteers took a woman away for medical care.

Many women with sugar and low blood pressure problems collapsed. “By the evening, 15 women had fainted on the Pashupati premises. This is due to hunger and scorching heat,” Dr Pukar Basnet said.

Teej is not just about wearing gleaming red saris, glass bangles, enjoying and feasting around. There is a traditional belief to celebrating the festival. Sarika Pant of Old Baneshor said, "I fast even without drinking water on Teej every year for the prosperity of my husband and the family."

Women complained that Pashupati Area Developemt Trust made them wait for more than an hour in queue. PADT Member Umesh Kumar Kuikel said tickets were sold for the express lane to those who wanted to avoid the long queue. "No one need feel insecure here. We have deployed 3,000 security personnel."

Meanwhile, Muslims across the country celebrated Eid Ul Fitr, the last day of the Islamic holy festival of Ramadan on Wednesday. Ramadan began 30 days ago. It is believed to be the month of revelation of the Quran, Muslim's holy book.

During the month, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and personal relations from dawn to dusk. The fast is called Roja. Incapacitated, sick and children are exempt from fasting.

Eid celebrations are marked by fervent preparations within Muslim communities. Families decorate their homes, and gifts are bought to distribute to friends and family, sweets and other delicacies are prepared, and new clothing is bought to celebrate the occasion. Muslims fast for a month with the belief that the act takes one closer to god.

The government announced Wednesday a public holiday, on the occasion of the festivals. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, Chairman of Sadbhawana Party Rajendra Mahato, Chairmant of Rastriya Janashakti Party Surya Bahadur Thapa and Chairman of Federal Sadbhawana Party Anil Kumar Jha extended greetings to Muslim communities across the country.
(Courtesy: The Kathmandu Post)

In this Issue :

Sustained Increase in Visitor Arrivals in August 2011

Great Himalayan Trail- World’s best long walks

Discussion on Chitlang Tourism Development organised

Hindus, Muslims celebrate Teej, Eid

Upcoming Events

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