Kathmandu, Dec 31: Nepal saw a remarkable surge in tourism in 2024, with over 1.14 million foreign visitors entering the country, according to data released this morning by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Specifically, a total of 1,140,724 tourists visited Nepal throughout the year, marking a significant milestone in the nation's post-pandemic tourism recovery.

This is the first time Nepal has achieved such high tourist numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel. Marin Raj Lamichhane, Director at NTB, stated that on average, approximately 3,000 tourists arrived in Nepal daily. Compared to 2023, the tourist influx increased by over 14 percent.

For context, Nepal welcomed 1.197 million foreign tourists in 2019, just before the pandemic severely impacted the travel industry. The situation remained stagnant until 2022. However, recent data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveals that Nepal's post-COVID tourism has now recovered by an impressive 96 percent.

Key events such as the Nepal Premier League, the Global Buddhist Summit, the International Balloon Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival significantly contributed to the surge in tourist arrivals. These festivals and events showcased Nepal's cultural richness and diverse attractions, helping it regain its status as a premier global travel destination.