Random Days

The on again, off again growth in tourism sector is likely to continue

By A CORRESPONDENT

With the decision by the Maoists to call off their four-month-old unilateral ceasefire, the possibilities of tourism sector sustaining the short-period of growth it had recently observed have vanished.

The year 2005 was forgettable for the tourism sector. After the royal steps of February 1 and the spread of political uncertainty, upheavals and conflicts, the tourists decided to stay away from this scenic mountainous country.

It was after the Maoists announced unilateral ceasefire in September that the arrival of tourists registered a healthy growth. Even so, the overall arrival of tourists in 2005 was less by 3.8 percent compared to the figure in 2004. Even during the ceasefire period, incidents like Nagarkot killings and Hotel Yak and Yeti strike had sent negative message.

Despite brief periods of increases, the overall arrival of tourists in 2005 registered a slight downfall compared to 2004. The year saw 2,77,000 tourists coming to Nepal – down 3.9 percent from 2,88,000 in 2004.

The arrival of Indian tourists, however, increased. Compared to 86,328 Indians who visited Nepal in 2004, 93,430 of them came here in 2005 marking an increase of 8.2 percent. This data was revealed by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation. The arrival of tourists from third countries decreased by 9.1 percent from 202,000 in 2004 to 1,83,000 in 2005.

The arbitrary trend of growth and decline in Nepalese tourism sector has continued since 1999. After the record arrival of nearly half a million tourists in 1998 and 1999, Nepal began to witness the drastic turn of events that were so quick and regular that the tourism industry was virtually made to bite the dust.

It all began with the hijacking of Indian airlines airplane from Kathmandu to Kandahar in December 1999. That was followed by strikes in hotels and anti-India riots in December 2000 due to Hrithik Roshan episode. These events virtually crushed the handsomely growing arrival of Indian tourists.

The bizarre royal massacre in June 2001 and subsequent escalation of armed conflict and incessant political turmoil has never let the sector raise its head again.

It has been rule, rather than exception, that tourism arrivals grew during the brief spells of peace marked by ceasefires – only to go downhill as soon as the truce was broken. Unfortunately, the truce is again broken this time and the tourism entrepreneurs fear another ugly turn in their profession.