– Nepal reached a tourism milestone with over a million tourist arrivals in 2023, marking the third time it has surpassed the million mark.
– Data does not currently account for Indian tourists entering Nepal, potentially underestimating the actual number of tourists.
– Indian tourists entering Nepal by road face restrictions on cash, leading to concerns about missed income for Nepal, especially in Lumbini and Pokhara.
– Nepal has the potential to attract a large number of Indian tourists, particularly in religious-spiritual tourism, but caution is needed to avoid political exploitation.
– Nepal also has potential to attract niche tourists from India and increase tourists from countries like China, but infrastructure and capacity for visitors is a concern.
– Poor road conditions and high domestic flight prices for foreigners highlight the need for clarity and planning to fully realize Nepal’s tourism potential.