Rising arrivals demand a national tourism dashboard

Nepal's tourism sector is showing robust recovery, with international arrivals in 2025 reaching 1,158,459, just shy of 96.8% of 2019 levels. This momentum has continued into 2026, with June alone recording 91,363 international tourists, a 19.5% increase from June 2025 and 22.01% higher than June 2019.

These figures, released by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Department of Immigration, signal a strong return of international confidence in Nepal as a destination for its renowned Himalayas, trekking, mountaineering, culture, spirituality, and wildlife. The recovery is no longer a hope but a visible reality.

However, the focus is shifting from mere recovery to maximizing the economic benefits of this resurgence. While arrival numbers are up, the average daily spending per visitor saw a marginal decline from US$41.0 in 2024 to US$40.8. This indicates that Nepal earned more primarily due to increased visitor volume, not necessarily higher per-visitor value.

To address this, Nepal requires a National Tourism Digital Dashboard. Such a system would move beyond simply counting arrivals to measuring the value created, its distribution, and the overall impact on local economies, workforce development, and destination competitiveness. This data is crucial for ensuring that tourism growth translates into tangible economic strength and wider regional benefits.