Nepal’s tourism sector is navigating a difficult season, as a sharp drop in foreign arrivals is being partly offset by a rise in Indian and domestic travellers.
Ongoing tensions in West Asia have disrupted international travel routes, leading to widespread booking cancellations from Europe, the United States, and other long-haul markets. Major destinations such as Pokhara and Chitwan have felt the impact most. Hotels that typically saw around 80 per cent occupancy during the spring season are now operating at roughly 60 per cent, with some reporting even steeper declines.
In Pokhara, a significant portion of international bookings—especially from Western countries—have been cancelled or put on hold. In response, hotels and tourism operators have turned their focus toward Indian tourists, who now make up a large share of visitors. Domestic travellers, especially during weekends and school holidays, have also helped sustain business activity.
A similar trend is visible in Chitwan, where safari and hotel bookings from foreign groups have dropped, but local visitors have kept operations running. However, tourism stakeholders say spending patterns have shifted, with fewer high-spending international tourists.
The downturn is more severe in places like Lumbini and Bardiya, where cancellations have left hotels nearly empty. In remote regions such as Jumla, the decline in tourist flow has also hit local businesses, with sales of organic products falling sharply.
Rising fuel prices and higher travel costs have added further pressure, discouraging both international and domestic travel. While Indian and local tourists have provided some relief, industry insiders warn that a prolonged global crisis could deepen the slowdown.
