Tourists Arrivals for September 2008 - by Air only. These are based on data released by Nepal Tourism Board who collects data from the Immigration Office’s center branch of data collection located at the Main Airport, Kathmandu of Nepal.

Key Facts

• More 250,000 visitors have already landed in Nepal since Jan 2008 to September 2008, representing a growth of 2%  as compared to the same period of last year.
• Only 1% increase comparing September 2008 with September 2007
• Number of Tourists Arriving in September by Air remained 30K Plus
• Indian Tourists have always contributed greatly in each month and so did this month as well with over 14% growth comparing to the same month of Last year.
• South Asian countries contributed positive level, a staggering number - 13% growth. What was less seen is also a great contribution, The Pakistan contributed as much as 8% same as Sri Lanka.
• China 8%, Singapore 29% and Malaysia with highest level from this region 35% growth contribution.
• Since the peace deal, Tourism has gained momentum. United States and Canada also increased the tourist inflow in September.
• Negative growth remained very minimum but it was from Japan, South Korea and Thailand, UK, Italy, Spain and Germany.

What still remains to be seen for tourists is what kinds of progress this nation brings with New Government and its leaders will surely affect tourism. In an official survey conducted by nepalvista.com, followings are the summary of what tourists think of Nepal - those who didn’t visit in spite of wanting to visit.

• A Germany tourists claims, “I am little concern with Nepal with its new Government, News also don’t make me stand on my feet and head to the land”
• A Japanese wanna be student-traveler says, “I have yet to see progress in your country. I am not accepting the Government you have. Sometime what I like about the country about its natural beauty doesn’t justify my willingness to visit if I suspect that there can be riots and violence in the country”

They say, for anything to happen in Nepal, Time is something that is wasted by all including the leaders of this nation. Even after the peace process, much remains ahead and seriousness to tackle key issue remains unsolved, untouched, such as poverty, peace, and basic human rights, preventing riots and violence on public properties.
See you soon everyon.