Top
Latest
Popular
NEPSE Trading
dipesh
Dipesh Ghimire
·

By Dipesh Ghimire

Record-Breaking Tourist Arrivals in Nepal: April 2025 Marks Highest Ever Influx of Foreign Visitors

Record-Breaking Tourist Arrivals in Nepal: April 2025 Marks Highest Ever Influx of Foreign Visitors

Nepal has witnessed a remarkable milestone in its tourism sector, with April 2025 recording the highest number of foreign tourist arrivals in a single month to date. According to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 116,490 foreign tourists entered Nepal during April alone—setting a new all-time record for monthly arrivals.

This figure surpasses the previous highest April record of 109,399 tourists set in April 2019, which was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. When compared to that year, Nepal has achieved a 106.5% recovery in April arrivals, clearly indicating a strong rebound in global travel interest toward Nepal.

Key Source Markets in April 2025

Among the nations contributing to the influx:

  • India continues to lead as the largest source of tourists, with 25,933 visitors, reflecting its proximity and strong cultural ties with Nepal.

  • The United States sent 10,053 tourists, a significant number that highlights Nepal’s sustained appeal among Western adventure and culture seekers.

  • China, a traditionally strong market, accounted for 9,037 arrivals, but growth from this region remains slower, possibly due to lingering outbound travel constraints.

  • The United Kingdom contributed 6,838 tourists, reflecting steady interest from Europe.

Despite the overall growth, the NTB noted that Indian and Chinese tourist numbers have not seen significant growth compared to other markets—an area that might require targeted promotion and collaboration in the future.

Year-on-Year Progression

This April’s figure also reflects a steady upward trend over the past few years:

  • April 2023: 98,773 foreign arrivals

  • April 2024: 111,376 foreign arrivals

  • April 2025: 116,490 foreign arrivals

This pattern suggests consistent post-pandemic recovery, with Nepal regaining and surpassing its pre-pandemic tourism benchmark.

January to April 2025 Overview

From January to April 2025, a total of 415,048 tourists have entered Nepal. The monthly breakdown is as follows:

  • January: 79,991 tourists

  • February: 96,880 tourists

  • March: 121,800 tourists

  • April: 116,490 tourists

This strong start to the year gives optimism that Nepal may exceed 1.2 million tourist arrivals in 2025, possibly setting a new annual record if the trend continues.

Interpretation and Outlook

According to Deepak Raj Joshi, the CEO of NTB, April's performance is "encouraging and a reflection of Nepal's enduring appeal and vibrant tourism culture." He emphasized that the numbers point not just to recovery, but to global re-engagement with Nepal as a destination for nature, spirituality, and adventure.

This growth also showcases the success of Nepal’s marketing campaigns, improved air connectivity, visa facilitation efforts, and the broader international appetite for meaningful and nature-based travel.

However, the stagnation in Indian and Chinese tourist growth—both critical for Nepal’s tourism economy—warrants strategic intervention. Boosting promotions, easing travel logistics, and diversifying tourism offerings could be key to re-engaging these markets.

April 2025 has reaffirmed Nepal’s position as a top destination in South Asia. With tourism bouncing back stronger than ever and new monthly records being set, the momentum is clearly in Nepal’s favor. As long as the government and tourism stakeholders continue to build on this recovery with strategic planning and sustainable practices, Nepal's tourism industry is poised for a historic high in 2025.

Related Blogs

New York Dominates, Mumbai and New Delhi Rise as Emerging Billionaire Hubs
Top

3 min read

New York Dominates, Mumbai and New Delhi Rise as Emerging Billionaire Hubs

Cities of Wealth 2025: New York Still on Top, But Mumbai and Beijing Close In — Billionaire Populations Redefine Global Power Centers New York Dominates, Mumbai and New Delhi Rise as Emerging Billionaire Hubs The latest Hurun Global Rich List 2025 has once again redrawn the world map — not with national borders, but with the density of billionaires concentrated in global cities. This year’s data shows that economic power is no longer just about national GDPs, but about cities that have become magnets for capital, technology, influence, and legacy wealth. At the top of this year’s list is New York, home to a record 129 billionaires. But the bigger story lies in the rapid ascent of Mumbai (90), Shanghai (92), and Beijing (91) — all cities from Asia, signaling a significant power shift eastward.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

24 May, 2025

World’s Largest Economies vs. Richest Nations in 2025 — In-Depth Economic Analysis
Top

3 min read

World’s Largest Economies vs. Richest Nations in 2025 — In-Depth Economic Analysis

World’s Largest Economies vs. Richest Nations in 2025 — In-Depth Economic Analysis The 2025 global economic landscape reveals a sharp contrast between economic scale (nominal GDP) and prosperity (GDP per capita). While countries like the United States, China, and India dominate in total output, they are often outpaced in per capita wealth by smaller, high-income nations like Luxembourg, Ireland, and Switzerland. These differences aren't just numerical—they highlight divergent economic models, population sizes, sectoral strengths, and national policies. This report breaks down and interprets the top 15 countries by both nominal GDP and GDP per capita, helping investors, policymakers, and analysts understand what these rankings actually mean.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

24 May, 2025

Nepal at the Crossroads as Major Foreign Aid Cuts Jeopardize Development Gains
Top

4 min read

Nepal at the Crossroads as Major Foreign Aid Cuts Jeopardize Development Gains

Nepal at the Crossroads as Major Foreign Aid Cuts Jeopardize Development Gains Nepal’s development trajectory, once propped up by billions in foreign assistance, now teeters on the edge. A sweeping wave of budget cuts and project suspensions by key international development partners has exposed the country’s chronic over-reliance on external support — and an alarming lack of contingency planning. Among the most severe setbacks has come from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), long considered a pillar of foreign development efforts in Nepal. From education and healthcare to agriculture, governance, and climate resilience, USAID-funded projects have reached millions. Their sudden freeze — involving nearly Rs. 15 billion worth of programs — has sent shockwaves through every layer of Nepal’s social infrastructure.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

23 May, 2025

Government Faces Severe Budgeting Crisis Ahead of FY 2082/83: Thousands of Projects Likely to Be Axed
Top

4 min read

Government Faces Severe Budgeting Crisis Ahead of FY 2082/83: Thousands of Projects Likely to Be Axed

Government Faces Severe Budgeting Crisis Ahead of FY 2082/83: Thousands of Projects Likely to Be Axed As the countdown to Nepal's federal budget announcement for the fiscal year 2082/83 nears its final 7 days, the government finds itself grappling with a perfect storm of fiscal pressure, project overload, and systemic inefficiencies. With the National Resource Estimate Committee capping the spending limit at around NPR 1.9 trillion, the government is facing an uphill battle to fund even its prioritized development projects.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

22 May, 2025

Nepal Appoints Dr. Bishwanath Paudel as New Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Amid Crucial Economic Challenges
Top

4 min read

Nepal Appoints Dr. Bishwanath Paudel as New Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Amid Crucial Economic Challenges

r. Bishwanath Paudel Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Appointment The Government of Nepal appointed Dr. Bishwanath Paudel as the 18th Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, filling a leadership vacancy after over one and a half months. Dr. Paudel is an experienced economist with a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California and has served as Vice-Chairman of Nepal’s National Planning Commission. He has international exposure from roles at the World Bank and International Labour Organization. His appointment followed political controversy but was cleared by the Supreme Court. The financial markets responded positively, with the NEPSE index rising nearly 50 points. Key challenges ahead include: Managing high liquidity but low credit growth in Nepal’s banking sector Tackling rising Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) Controlling inflation and maintaining price stability Strengthening banking regulations and governance Promoting financial inclusion and consumer-friendly banking services Dr. Paudel’s leadership is expected to bring monetary policy reforms, address banking sector weaknesses, and improve financial stability to support Nepal’s economic growth. Suggested English Search Keywords: “Bishwanath Paudel Nepal Rastra Bank Governor” “Nepal central bank new governor 2025” “Nepal Rastra Bank monetary policy reforms” “Nepal banking sector liquidity issues” “Non-performing loans Nepal banking” “Nepal financial market reaction 2025” “Nepal economic stability and inflation control” “Financial inclusion in Nepal”

Dipesh Ghimire

·

20 May, 2025

Navigating Nepal's Economic Turmoil: A Call for Strategic Reform
Top

3 min read

Navigating Nepal's Economic Turmoil: A Call for Strategic Reform

Navigating Nepal's Economic Turmoil: A Call for Strategic Reform Nepal’s economy today stands at a delicate crossroads, entangled in a web of internal inefficiencies and external shocks. The aftermath of the pandemic, coupled with weak financial governance, skewed credit flows, and underperforming institutions, has left the economic foundation shaky and uneven. One of the most critical threats has emerged from poor oversight in key financial sectors such as microfinance and cooperatives. Their growing instability is no longer isolated — it’s rippling through the wider financial system, threatening long-term macroeconomic health.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

19 May, 2025

The Appointment of the Central Bank Governor: Challenges and Expectations
Top

3 min read

The Appointment of the Central Bank Governor: Challenges and Expectations

The Appointment of the Central Bank Governor: Challenges and Expectations Following the expiration of Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari’s term on Chaitra 6, Nepal Rastra Bank remained without a formal Governor for an extended period—a delay that not only signaled institutional paralysis but also breached the provisions outlined in the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2058. During this interim period, a Deputy Governor was temporarily tasked with leading the institution. Legally, the Governor is to be appointed by the Council of Ministers for a five-year term, based on recommendations from a selection committee established under the Act. The central bank is a cornerstone of economic governance, and its leadership demands deep expertise in macroeconomics and monetary policy. It is generally expected that the Governor should be a seasoned economist, capable of crafting and steering policy to maintain price stability and manage inflation. Globally, many central banks have moved toward inflation targeting, setting clear benchmarks to maintain economic balance. Nepal too must embrace this forward-looking approach. A prominent case is India’s RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, who was ranked among the top central bankers worldwide by Global Finance magazine. His recognition was based on his success in managing inflation, ensuring currency stability, and guiding interest rate policies—areas in which any central bank leader must excel.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

19 May, 2025

Non-Banking Assets of Banks and Financial Institutions in Nepal Soar to NPR 45 Billion
Top

3 min read

Non-Banking Assets of Banks and Financial Institutions in Nepal Soar to NPR 45 Billion

Non-Banking Assets of Banks and Financial Institutions in Nepal Soar to NPR 45 Billion In recent years, Nepal's banking and financial institutions have seen a significant rise in non-banking assets, which have now reached a staggering NPR 45 billion. This increase has been driven by an escalating number of assets being auctioned off as a result of defaulted loans, indicating a growing problem of non-performing loans (NPLs) within the sector. According to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), as of the end of the fiscal year 081/82 (mid-April 2024), non-banking assets held by banks and financial institutions amounted to NPR 44.8 billion. The primary reason behind this increase is the surge in bad loans, where borrowers are unable to repay their debts, leading to the auction of collateral assets such as land, buildings, and vehicles, which are often held as security for loans.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

12 May, 2025

Nepal Enacts New Law on Cheque Bounce Cases: Police Investigation Made Mandatory, Punishment Reclassified
Top

2 min read

Nepal Enacts New Law on Cheque Bounce Cases: Police Investigation Made Mandatory, Punishment Reclassified

Nepal Enacts New Law on Cheque Bounce Cases: Police Investigation Made Mandatory, Punishment Reclassified The Government of Nepal has amended the Banking Offenses and Punishment Act, 2064 (2008 AD), bringing sweeping changes to how cheque bounce cases are handled—ranging from the legal process, investigation mechanism, limitation periods, and penal provisions. 1. Police-Only Complaint System Introduced As per the revised law published in the Nepal Gazette on Wednesday and now in effect, cheque bounce complaints must first go through police investigation. Previously, aggrieved parties could directly file cases in court, bypassing law enforcement. The amendment removes that option. Additionally, the Negotiable Instruments Act, 2034, particularly Section 107(A), which previously governed cheque dishonor penalties, has now been repealed to avoid overlapping jurisdiction. Now, the Banking Offense Act will serve as the sole applicable law for such offenses.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

9 May, 2025

Nepal’s Economic Journey: From Struggles to Transformative Growth
Top

4 min read

Nepal’s Economic Journey: From Struggles to Transformative Growth

Nepal’s Economic Journey: From Struggles to Transformative Growth For over three and a half decades, Nepal’s economy has faced numerous challenges, deeply influenced by political turmoil, natural disasters, and external blockades. After the restoration of democracy in the early 1990s, the country underwent a series of political upheavals that included the introduction of multi-party democracy, a decade-long Maoist insurgency, the monarchy, and finally, the establishment of a republic. These political changes disrupted the economy, preventing it from finding a steady rhythm and making significant progress.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

7 May, 2025