Nepal's Tourism Economy
Summary
Nepal’s tourism economy faces a recurring cycle of growth, disaster and recovery, as events like the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli disaster disrupt arrivals and investor confidence. Despite a goal of 3.5 million tourists by the end of the decade, the Himalayas remain both Nepal’s biggest tourism asset and its greatest risk.
Key Points
- Nepal’s tourism growth is repeatedly disrupted by earthquakes, floods, landslides and other natural hazards tied to the Himalayas.
- International arrivals fell sharply after the 2015 earthquake, then recovered to more than 1.19 million in 2019 before COVID-19 reset the market again.
- The Bhote Koshi–Trishuli disaster has revived concerns that Nepal’s tourism economy may be trapped in a boom-shock-recovery cycle.
- The article questions whether Nepal’s tourism future will be driven by new growth or repeated recovery after disasters.
