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Resilience in Visitor Arrivals

moksha — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 03:44:36 +0000

The month of May 2013 saw resilience in visitor arrivals after decline in the month of March and April, 2013. The figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal that visitor arrivals in the month of May 2013, compared to the same month last year, have increased by 3.1% to 44,156.

Arrivals from Asia (other than South Asia) have also recorded healthy growth of almost 48% in aggregate. There has been growth of 43.6% in visitor arrivals from China which is one of the fastest growing tourist markets for Nepal. Visitor arrivals from Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand have registered a positive growth of 5.6%, 142.7%, 40.9%, and 47.1% respectively. However, visitor arrivals from Singapore have registered marginal negative growth of 3% only.

The arrivals from South Asian region have recorded negative growth of 8.1% with Bangladesh (12.7%) and Sri Lanka (27.4%) registering positive growth. Visitor arrivals from India, which is the largest source market for Nepal witnessed a decline of 9.5%. Visitor arrivals from Pakistan have also declined by 21.2%.

European markets registered negative growth of 3.3% with major destinations showing mixed reaction in terms of visitor arrivals. Arrivals from France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden are up by 3.6%, 0.4%, 19.8%, 9.7%, 33.6% and 29.8% respectively while arrivals from the UK, Denmark, Spain, Italy and Russia have recorded negative growth of 1.7%, 38.3%, 19%, 12.5% and 11.1% respectively.

Tourist arrivals from USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have increased by 17.3%, 12.7 %, 21.1% and 10.8% respectively.

Nepal celebrated Mt. Everest Diamond Jubilee on May 29 remembering the two heroic souls: Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary amidst a grand function. This was a special occasion in the world history of mountaineering. The Nepalese tourism stakeholders will cherish the jubilant and festive-mood that saw series of events organised marking the 60th anniversary. The celebration has given Nepal an unprecedented opportunity to promote Nepal as one of the best adventure destinations in the planet through international media that came to Nepal to attend this event.

A total of 58,195 foreign tourists departed from TIA in May 2013. The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 63,250 while 83,179 Nepalese departed from TIA in May 2013.

Enlistment 2070/71

moksha — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:45:20 +0000

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Situation Update

moksha — Fri, 03 May 2013 06:59:35 +0000

On April 27, 2013, a heated argument took place between three Sherpas who were fixing the top for Mt. Everest and three European climbers Jonathan Griffith(UK), Ueli Steck(Switzerland) and Simone Moro(Italy) in the Camp II over asking them not to move in alpine style up the Lhotse face before rope was being fixed. Before providing responsibility to Sherpas for fixing the rope, a meeting was held in the Everest Basecamp inviting all expedition leaders and Sherpa Sirdars to discuss the rope fixing strategy for this season on Everest. It was agreed there that nobody would be climbing on the route before rope being fixed except the fixing team. It is reported that Simone Moro did not attend this meeting, and might not have been aware that this protocol is an unwritten rule on Everest.

As per the report received from an independent source, the 3 European climbers set out the morning of the 27th heading for the Lhotse face. As the fixing team was moving through a steeper section of the Lhotse face, the 3 European climbers met with the fixing team. The fixing team alerted the 3 climbers to not touch or cross the rope. With verbal abuse passing between them, it took the nature of scuffle but nobody has been reported injured. The brawl was stopped by a group of western climbers and Sherpa working together. As the group separated, Simone requested to apologize for his actions. After things calmed down, Simone’s team descended to base camp.

Ministry of Civil Aviation, Tourism and Civil Aviation immediately communicated with its liaison officers based in Everest Basecamp after getting information about this unfortunate incidence. To pacify the situation amicably by creating the conducive atmosphere, a meeting was held on April 29 at the office of SPCC under the chairmanship of team leader of Nepal Army Major Sunil Singh Rathor. Attended by liaison officers, SPCC and HRA officials and members of different expedition team, the meeting made following decisions:

On 27 April 2013, above Everest Basecamp, at Camp 2 and Camp 3 an argument arose between foreign climbers and Nepali climbers and the situation was discussed today at this meeting. Both parties have realized their error and apologized to each other in front of those present. Furthermore, both parties agreed to help each other in the future to make successful each other goals. It has also been decided that this issue will not be raised again.
All those present agreed and committed that such activities must never be repeated by anyone in mountaineering and in the tourism sector. If any party is dissatisfied with the action of another party, they commit not to go into conflict or use violence against the other party. Instead they commit to report the action to the government representatives or the relevant government recognized association present at the basecamp, to come to an amicable solution between parties.

On April 30, 2013, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Tourism and Civil Aviation issued a press release stating the amicable agreement reached between two groups and requested the climbers, the expedition operators and support staff to operate their activities with full restrained and in disciplined way. the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Tourism and Civil Aviation has requested the climbers to continue their expedition assuring them full security.

Increase in Visitor Arrivals

moksha — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:31:47 +0000

The figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal that visitor arrivals in the month of Feb 2013, compared to the same month last year, have increased by 6% to 45,123.

Arrivals from Asia (other than South Asia) have also recorded healthy growth of 46% in aggregate with mixed performance from the individual countries. There has been robust growth of 135% in visitor arrivals from China which is one of the fastest growing tourist markets for Nepal. Visitor arrivals from Malaysia and Singapore and have registered a positive growth of 288.1%, and 111.9% respectively. However, visitor arrivals from Japan, South Korea and Thailand have registered negative growth of 20.1%, 29.4%, and 0.3% respectively.

The arrivals from South Asian region have recorded negative growth of 15.2% with Pakistan (44.3%) and Sri Lanka (35.3%) registering positive growth. Visitor arrivals from India, which is the largest source market for Nepal witnessed decline by 18.2%. Visitor arrivals from Bangladesh have declined by 5.3%.

European markets registered negative growth of 5.5% with major destinations showing mixed reaction in terms of visitor arrivals. Arrivals from Germany and the Netherlands are up by 8.3% and 21% respectively while arrivals from UK, France, Italy, Switzerland and Russia have recorded negative growth of 6%, 13.7%, 31.8%, 8.7% and 8% respectively.

Tourist arrivals from USA, Canada and New Zealand have increased by 11.2 %, 42.2% and 44.8% respectively. However arrivals from Australia have decreased by 5.5%.

A total of 48,783 foreign tourists departed from TIA in Feb 2013.The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 58,379 while 70,635 Nepalese departed from TIA in Feb 2013.

Tourism Vision 2020

moksha — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 04:06:37 +0000

Tourism Vision 2020 Final

Tourist Arrivals decline for the first time in last 3 and half years

moksha — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 03:27:49 +0000

The figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal that the tourist arrivals reached 35,330 with 15.9% of decline in January this year compared to the same month last year.

Major source markets have recorded negative growths in tourist arrivals in the first month of 2013. In the SAARC region only Pakistan has recorded positive growth of 5.8%. India which constitutes the major market of Nepal, has recorded negative growth of 26.1%. Arrivals from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also registered negative growth by 62.6% and 42.6% respectively.

Arrivals from Asia (other than South Asia) have also recorded negative growth of 16.4% in aggregate with mixed results. The visitor’s arrivals from China have decreased by 40.3%. However, the arrivals from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea have also increased by 16.8%, 10.3%, 4.3%, 42.6% and 11.2% respectively.

An overall negative growth of 15 % has been observed from the European markets with arrivals from major generating markets such as Germany, France and the Netherlands down by 12.2%, 38.2%, and 29% respectively. However, the arrivals from the UK has increased by 6.6% compared to the same month last year.

Tourist arrivals from Australia, New Zealand and USA have registered growths of 27.3%, 25%, and 13% respectively. A negative growth of 27.4% has been recorded from Canada in January 2013 compared to January 2012.

A total of 45,667 foreign tourists departed from TIA in January 2013. The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 69,442 while 91281 Nepalese departed from TIA in January 2013.

New Year 2013 is greeted with Positive News !!!

moksha — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 11:55:38 +0000

The total number of tourist arrivals by air in aggregate (Jan-Dec, 2012), compared to same period in 2011, have increased by almost 10% to 598,204. The total tourist arrivals in 2012 were 598,204 that were 53,219 more visitors in same period (Jan-Dec) of 2011. In the context of Nepal, the year 2012 has concluded with positive notes both in terms of total visitor arrivals for the month of December and also for the whole year. The figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal that visitor arrivals in the month of December 2012, compared to the same month last year, have increased by 2.4% to 44,774.

Arrivals from Asia (other than South Asia) segment have registered a positive growth of 15.1% in the year 2012. In December 2012, arrivals from this segment has recorded positive growth of 10.3% in aggregate with Malaysia (141.5%), Japan (11.8%), Singapore (12.1%), and Thailand ( 25.9%). However, China and South Korea have registered negative growth of 3.1% and 1.6%, respectively, compared to the same month last year.

The South Asian segment has also registered a positive growth of 10.4% in the year 2012. The arrivals from Pakistan and Sri Lanka have grown by 4.1% and 20.6% respectively but arrivals from India and Bangladesh have declined by 10.4% and 19.7% respectively in December 2012.

An overall positive growth of 3.5 % has been observed from the European markets in the month of December 2012 and 4.5% in the year 2012. Arrivals from the UK, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland, are up by 11.9%, 25.6% 14.3%, 23.7%, 10.3%, 14.2% and 114.3% respectively. However, Belgium, Spain and Russia have posted a negative growth of 22.8%, 27.7% and 32.5% respectively.

Arrivals from the Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) and North America (Canada and USA) recorded overall positive growths in the year 2012 by 15.1% and 10.4% respectively. Tourist arrivals from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA have registered remarkable growth of 24.4%, 20.3%, 7.5% and 4.9% respectively in December 2012 compared to 2011.

In 2012, total foreign tourist departures, Nepalese arrivals and Nepalese departures are at 688,566; 736,679 and 862,416 respectively. A total of 54,885 foreign tourists departed from TIA in December 2012. The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 61,823 while 93,133 Nepalese departed from TIA in December 2012.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) international tourism has witnessed a moderate growth in 2012 with over one billion international tourist arrivals. One billionth mark is a new record for international tourism – a sector that accounts for one in every 12 jobs and 30% of the world’s services exports. Further, the UNWTO asserts that the comparative strength of tourism in a period of continued economic uncertainty is confirmed by the positive trend on tourism earnings and expenditures.

Globally, international tourism results have so far not been seriously affected by the economic volatility, with growth continuing above the average of 3.8% a year projected for the decade 2010-2020 according to UNWTO’s long-term forecast Tourism Towards 2030. The UNWTO estimates that for 2013 growth is expected to continue but at a more moderate rate in the range of 2% to 4%.

Guerrilla tourist trail launched

NepaLtourisMboarD — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 06:15:13 +0000

Former Prime Minister and Chairman of UCPN(Maoist) Pusupa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ launched a new tourist trekking trail, giving visitors the chance to retrace the guerrillas’ footsteps on October 2.

The Guerrilla Trek, a two-week to four-week hike depending on the itinerary which stretches across central and western Nepal, is designed to draw in more foreigners as the Himalayan nation seeks to rebuild an economy devastated by the 1996-2006 “People’s War”.

“I hope this will be a new chapter in Nepal’s tourism. Many countries that have emerged from war have tried to capitalise on the memory of war,” Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said.

“A huge political change occurred in Nepal but we cannot sustain it unless there is an economic transformation. I hope the Guerrilla Trek will play an important role.”

He said Guerrilla Trek has the potential of becoming a “war tourism product” like in Vietnam, Russia, and China. “As war tourism has been promoted worldwide for economic benefit, Nepal’s Guerrilla Trek also holds the potential to grab the world’s attention.”

The trek passes through Nepal’s lush valleys that stand in the shadow of mountains including Dhaulagiri and through dramatic waterfalls, lakes and the country’s only hunting reserve, the organisers said.

A part of the attraction is the Magar community, from which most of the guerrillas were recruited at the initial stage of war. The trek also consists of the Yarsagumba Trail and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.

“Everest, Annapurna are famous. But if you want to take a unique route, this is the one,” Alonzo Lyons, an American travel writer who trekked the route last year, told AFP.

“Its natural scenery is simply captivating. You also come across diverse cultures.”

He said trekkers would be able to see the remnants of the war and become familiar with the recent history of Nepal.

The Guerrilla Trek offers a remarkable journey through the heartland of post-conflict territory. The route passes through Myagdi, Rukum, and Rolpa, spectacular districts with low population density at the epicenter of Nepal’s ten year conflict (1996 to 2006), and homeland to many revolutionaries. At one time during this period, the region had an autonomous government in Banphikot, Rukum.

The trail has been divided into three sections. First section of trek is 19-day walk which starts from Pokhara meandering through Beni, Dhorpatan, Maikot, Taka, Thawang and ends at Sulichaur. The second section of trek also follows same route but gets diverted from Dhorpatan and again meets trail at Taka and follows the same route to Sulichaur. It is 14-day trek. Most arduous trek is 27-day trek which starts from Pokhara and goes to Beni, Dhorpatan and comes back to Pokhara again in 15 days. And it takes another route from Pokhara meandering through Syarpu Lake, Khalanga and meets regular trail at Taka and follows the same trail to Sulichaur. This trek goes over rugged mountains, rivers lined with lush wheat fields, caves and centuries-old villages.

Quick facts and highlights of this trek:

Best time to visit: October, November, March and Early April.

Environment: subtropical to alpine

Maximum elevations: Phalgune Pass(3915 meters), Myagdi’s Jaljala Pass( 3414 meters) and Rolpa’s Jaljala Pass(3039 meters)

Facilities: Basic loges, teahouses, home stay, camping

Diffiuclty level: moderate to high given the lack of amenities

The trail research is promoted by Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board and the District Development Committee, Rukum, and explored by Changing Nepal and supported by Sinse Martyr Foundation and Dynamic Youth Society, Rukum.

For more information about it, please log on to:
http://guerrillatrek.org

(With input from AFP and The Kathmandu Post)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19815779
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/nepal-to-promote-war-tourism-to-cash-on-decadelong-conflict/1011365/
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/nepal-to-promote-war-tourism-to-cash-on-decadelong-conflict/1011365/
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Nepal/Guerrilla-trek-down-Nepal-s-civil-war/Article1-939465.aspx
http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-1-135333-Ex-Nepal-rebel-chief-launches-tourist-trail
http://www.ibtimes.com/forget-everest-nepal-maoist-leader-unveils-new-guerrilla-trek-799565
http://news.ph.msn.com/weird-news/ex-nepal-rebel-chief-launches-guerrilla-tourist-trail-1
http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article/86807/nepal-trek-attracts-war-tourism
http://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/nepal-to-promote-war-tourism-to-cash-on-maoists_803461.html
http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2012/10/03/editorial/memorialising-war/240353.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/05/nepalese-guerilla-trail-civil-war

Growth in International tourist arrivals continues

moksha — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 06:49:14 +0000

The upward trend which is already seen in January 2012 continues in the eight months of the year 2012 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 August 2012, compared to the same month last year, have increased by 2.5% to 44,571.

Almost all regions have shown positive growth in the eighth month of 2012. The arrivals from South Asian region, have gained overall positive growth of 4.2%. Visitor arrivals from Bangladesh have gained positive growth with 72.3% along with Pakistan (17%). However, arrivals from India, has recorded negative growth of 1.2 % with 14,307 visitors along with Sri Lanka (15.7%) compared to same month last year. A robust growth of 21.7% has been observed in the arrivals from the South Asian region during the first eight months of 2012, in comparison to the same period last year.

Arrivals from Asia (other than South Asia region) have also recorded positive growth of 0.6%. Visitor arrivals from Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand have recorded positive growth of 10.1%, 15.5%, 18.3% and 2.4% respectively compared to the figures in August 2011. However arrivals from China and Singapore have registered negative growths of 8.3% and 5%.

An overall positive growth of 6.1% has been observed from the European markets with arrivals from Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia and Sweden up by 26.3%, 104.5%, 21.6%, 0.7%, 61.6%, 20.3%, 104.9%, 22.6% and 143% respectively. However, the arrivals from Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and UK have declined by 33%, 2.6%, 15.6%, and 2.7% % respectively compared to the same month last year.

Tourist arrivals from Australia have increased by 2.7% while New Zealand, USA and Canada have decreased by 9.8%, 1.9%, and 13% respectively.

In January-August period of 2012, international tourist arrivals to Nepal have risen by 16.3 % to 377,043.

A total of 51,737 foreign tourists departed from TIA in August 2012. The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 47,000 while 68,776 Nepalese departed from TIA in August 2012.

Situation Update

moksha — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:09:44 +0000

As the May 28th deadline for promulgating the new Nepali constitution nears, the political situation here is expected to remain fluid.

However, it has been our experience during past political disturbances that the movement of tourists, all over Nepal, has never been adversely hampered, barring some inconsequential delays and minor inconveniences.

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) along with all tourism related associations continue to monitor the situation here on the ground. The NTB is continually in touch with the Home Administration and will keep you informed of any changes that may arise.

Tourists are advised to exercise common safety precautions as they would do in any other situation in any other destination. Any tourist in need of assistance may contact their local tour operator or the Tourist Police Cell located within the Tourist Services Centre at phone number +977 1 4247041 or the Nepal Tourism Board at +977 1 4225709