Post-COVID Tourism Growth Nepal (2025/26)
Nepal's tourism industry was devastated by COVID-19 in 2020-21, with arrivals dropping to near zero. The recovery since then has been steady, and FY 2025/26 data shows arrivals approaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Recovery Timeline
| Period | January Arrivals | February Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 55,074 | 73,255 |
| 2024 | 79,100 | 97,426 |
| 2025 | 79,991 | 96,880 |
| 2026 | 92,573 (+15.7%) | 105,441 (+8.8%) |
The recovery shows strong compound growth from 2023 to 2026: January arrivals grew from 55,074 to 92,573 — a 68% increase over 3 years.
Peak Season Performance (Oct-Dec 2025)
- October 2025: 128,443 arrivals — robust autumn trekking season
- November 2025: 116,553
- December 2025: 98,190
What's Driving Recovery
- Global travel rebound: International tourism worldwide has recovered to ~90%+ of pre-COVID levels
- Nepal's unique appeal: Himalayan trekking, cultural heritage, adventure tourism — not easily substituted
- Visit Nepal campaigns: Government promotion efforts attracting attention
- Improved air connectivity: More international flights, though still limited
- Competitive pricing: Nepal remains a value destination compared to alternatives
Banking Support
The banking sector is backing the recovery with hotel credit at Rs. 222,914M (+6.15%) and tourism-specific credit at Rs. 28,610M. This financial support enables hotels and travel companies to expand capacity and improve services.
Remaining Challenges
- Pokhara International Airport still underutilized
- Accommodation bottlenecks during peak months
- Infrastructure gaps in emerging destinations (Mustang, Dolpo, Far West)
- Climate change affecting traditional trekking routes
Conclusion
Nepal's post-COVID tourism recovery is accelerating. The February 2026 milestone of 105,441 arrivals signals that the sector is approaching full recovery. With targeted infrastructure investment, Nepal has the potential to set new records in tourism arrivals and revenue in the coming years.