Kathmandu: Chinese tourists are once again a common sight on the streets of Kathmandu and Pokhara as Nepal experiences a significant rebound in Chinese arrivals. In 2024, the number of Chinese visitors crossed the six-digit milestone, reaching 101,879—a 67% increase compared to the previous year. This resurgence contributed to Nepal welcoming 1.14 million tourists last year, a 13% rise over 2023. However, these numbers are still shy of pre-pandemic levels.
Optimism Amid Challenges
Travel trade entrepreneurs report robust growth in Chinese arrivals. Key global destinations are seeing a similar trend, and Nepal has positioned itself as one of the favored locations. Adding momentum to this revival, Beijing declared 2025 as "Visit Nepal Year in China," a move announced during former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to China in September. Despite the enthusiasm, the campaign's success faces hurdles, including high airfares and infrastructural limitations.
Airfare and Accessibility
The high cost of flights remains a critical barrier. A roundtrip ticket for the Kathmandu-Shanghai-Kathmandu route currently costs around Rs 150,000, making travel prohibitively expensive for many. Kishore Raj Pandey, chairman of Saathi Nepal Travel and Tours, expressed skepticism about achieving the ambitious target of 500,000 Chinese tourists without affordable travel options.
Nepal's aviation sector also struggles with high operational costs. Jet fuel in Nepal is 70% more expensive than in neighboring countries, and airlines face hefty ground handling fees at Kathmandu airport. These costs are inevitably passed on to travelers, dampening tourism prospects.
Infrastructure Limitations
Nepal's infrastructure challenges further complicate efforts to attract more tourists. The country's sole operational international airport in Kathmandu is currently closed for 10 hours daily, limiting flight schedules. While new international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa were built with Chinese funding and expertise, they have seen little commercial use. Beijing has pledged to initiate flights to these airports, but only a few chartered flights have materialized so far.
Chinese Initiatives and Nepal’s Response
China has launched several initiatives to boost tourism to Nepal, including cultural exchange programs and promotional campaigns. Events such as the Dragon Boat Festival, the Lumbini International Peace Marathon, and upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations are part of this effort. Additionally, Chinese diplomats have been instrumental in creating awareness about Nepal in China.
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted plans to promote Nepal through social media campaigns in collaboration with the China National Tourism Administration. However, the lack of a concrete strategy from both Kathmandu and Beijing leaves many questions unanswered.
The Road Ahead
Tourism is vital for Nepal’s economy, contributing Rs 327.9 billion ($2.5 billion) in revenue and supporting 1.19 million jobs in 2023. Reaching the target of 500,000 Chinese tourists will require addressing airfare challenges, improving infrastructure, and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
As Nepal and China work to solidify their tourism partnership, the ambitious "Visit Nepal Year in China" campaign could mark a new chapter in Nepal's tourism industry—provided the challenges are effectively addressed.
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