National 6 (Spotlight Weekly)

Rosy Rebound

The arrival of tourists in the year 2003 was remarkable contrary to expectations and despite the unfavorable internal situation

By A CORRESPONDENT

The year 2003 did not mark any positive change for Nepal. The political uncertainties continued, the Maoist insurgency – barring ceasefire period – intensified and economic slowdown did not stop. What changed was the arrival of tourists – of all things.

Considering the regional and global situation also, the rise in tourist arrival has been encouraging. The year was bad for global tourism business as SARS and terrorism joined hands to prevent travelers from making trips abroad.

Despite the optimism provided by ceasefire, which was announced on January 30 and broken down in August 27, the hostilities resumed just on the eve of the boom season (September-March). But the global wanderer was not bothered. They came in flocks bewildering tourism pundits and data analysts.

Tourists arriving : Will the growth pick up ?

The aggressive marketing pushed by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), particularly in Indian market and the success of the Mount Everest Golden Jubilee Celebrations worked for the favor of the fumbling industry.

The government also threw in its weight by announcing favorable policies like waiving visa fees to visitors from SAARC countries and China, opening up new peaks and trekking routes.

A total of 265,600 visitors came to Nepal by air in 2003, which is a growth by 23% in comparison to last year's figure, according to data released by the NTB. “The data also indicates an encouraging growth for all the countries. India market had an annual growth of 33% to reach 87,066 visitors and non-Indian market grew by 19% to reach 178,534 visitors in 2003,” stated Aditya Baral, Manager- PR and Publicity, Tourism Marketing and Promotion at the NTB.

The month of December alone observed a growth of 42% in visitors arrival by air compared to same month last year.

The year 2003 saw the arrival of Indian tourists grow by 33% to reach 87,066. Even the US market grew, despite travel advisories and other reasons, by 8% to reach 16,675 visitors. All other European markets, China and Japan grew in the period.

Although the growth looks rosy on the surface, it is still inadequate compared to visitor arrival by air in 1999. Compared to that year when the total of 421,243 visitors had come here, the figures in 2003 are still lower by 36%.

”Conducive government policies, programs to promote tourism in the national level, declaration of cease fire from January to August and collaborative marketing efforts of Nepal Tourism Board with airlines, associations and travel trade all led to the positive outcomes for the growth of tourist numbers in the country,” states the NTB press release.

Likewise, the Destination Nepal Campaign 2002-03 launched by the government, which sustained the pace of promotional activities, and the government decision to open up 123 new peaks for climbing, restricted areas for trekking and five new rivers for rafting created new avenues for tourism development and increase in tourist numbers.

”The contribution of private sectors, airlines (specially RNAC, Indian Airlines and others) and associations to enhance the growth in 2003 were evident from success of Pashupatinath Darshan Package, sales missions to India and China and Five Star Summer Getaway Package (launched in association with RNAC and 5-star hotels) in India. These activities have all helped in adding more numbers,” the board adds.

The NTB is encouraged by the government commitment to promote regional tourism in 2004, and is also hoping for more liberal policies on airlines.

These apart, the decision by the Indian government to allow its private airlines to operate in SAARC capitals will also have a positive impact on tourist inflow from Indian, which remains the most important tourist-generating country for Nepal. After the decision, Jet Airways of India has already shown interest to start its operation to Kathmandu soon while Sahara Airways, too, is exploring this possibility.

“If they start their flights to Kathmandu, the burden on the national flag carrier, which is suffering from lack of adequate aircraft, will also be less. And Nepal can be able to lure more Indian tourists,” said Tek Bahadur Dangi, chief executive officer of NTB.

Nepal Tourism Board hopes to see another average 25% growth in visitors numbers in 2004 and onwards.