Next Door Tourists

NO Indians is bad news for Nepal’s tourism. Nepal’s tourism has been hit hard by, among others, the downward trend in the arrival of Indian tourists. The downturn in Indian tourist arrivals began in the aftermath of the Indian Airlines hijacking in late 1999 and the subsequent negative portrayal of Nepal as a destination by some Indian satellite channels and newspapers. Then to add fuel to the fire, Rhitik case erupted, further feeding Indian tourists’ reluctance to come to Nepal. Then, of course, we have our own internal, special ways to deter tourists from coming to Nepal. Hotel strikes, bandhs and chakkajams and so on all add to turn Nepal as an unwelcoming destination. With the foregoing factors, it is no wonder that the total number of Indian visits went down by around 30 per cent in 2000 compared to the 140,000 arrivals in 1999. Considering that the Indians traditionally constitute the biggest single block of tourists, it is painful for Nepal’s tourism entrepreneurs to see the continuing slide. Bigger is the loss as Indian tourists have a reputation for being big spenders. Thus less number of Indians means less tourism earnings. While their preference for Nepal is obviously declining, the wanderlust of the rich and not-so-rich Indians has not diminished. The overall rate of outbound Indians is increasing at 15 per cent.

Something has to be done. And so Nepal Tourism Board has come up with the welcome plan to lure the Indians back. Entitled "Nepal Festival of Life—Fun Next Door Like Never Before", the Board is planning to have a three-month long celebration from coming May to July that would offer incentives and special privileges to Indians wishing to visit Nepal. The Board’s decision to counter the downward trend in Indian tourist arrivals was overdue. Better late than never. Issuance of NTB’s Privilege Card, that entitles Indians to different incentives and privileges, through airlines and travel agents and other outlets in India is a good promotion idea. Officials are hoping the three-month promotional blitz will tempt our neighbours to visit us, stay long and expend well. That can only happen if preparations in the run-up to the festival months are carefully done. If it is well done and succeeds in luring the Indians, the Rs. 16 million promotional campaign may prove to have been well worth it.

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