Domestic tourism pumps Rs400 billion into Nepal's economy as young travelers lead the way

Nepal's tourism industry, once heavily reliant on foreign visitors, has seen a substantial revival through domestic travel. Launched in 2016 as "Travel Year" following a devastating earthquake, the "Ghumphir Barsha" campaign aimed to bolster the sector when foreign arrivals plummeted.

The initiative successfully spurred a surge in domestic travel, with younger Nepalis, particularly Gen Alpha and Gen Z, leading the trend. Beyond traditional hotspots like Pokhara and Chitwan, destinations such as Lumbini, Rara Lake, and Mustang have attracted a growing number of local tourists. The completion of road infrastructure, like the Beni to Jomsom route, has also facilitated more motorcycle trips.

According to the first National Domestic Tourism Survey by the National Statistics Office, domestic tourism now accounts for 2.65 percent of Nepal's GDP. The survey estimates that Nepalis spent Rs459.5 billion on domestic and outbound tourism in fiscal year 2024-25. Spending on domestic overnight trips reached Rs304.44 billion, more than three times the Rs90.98 billion spent on same-day domestic excursions.

While domestic travel thrives, Nepalis also spent Rs63.64 billion on outbound tourism, with a significant portion on day trips to neighboring India. The survey defines a domestic tourist as a resident traveling within Nepal for at least one night. The findings highlight a shift towards more frequent travel among younger demographics, underscoring the evolving landscape of Nepal's tourism sector.

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Domestic tourism has taken a great leap forward.