Nepal Special Tourism Year 2025 and Visit Nepal Decade 2023-2032

Unlocking Nepal’s Tourism Potential:  Nepal Special tourism year 2025 and visit Nepal decade 2023-2032.

Recently an announcement was made by the Nepal government which could bring potential big changes in the tourism industry. President Ram Chandra Paudel announced that the decade of the 2080s in the Bikram Samvat calendar will be celebrated as ‘the Visit Nepal decade’. Furthermore, the Nepal special tourism year 2025 will be represented as a special tourism year in Nepal.

Earlier, the government had announced the year 2020 as a ‘Visit Nepal Year,’ which brought a lot of expectations as it was an initiative aimed at promoting tourism and attracting travelers from around the world to experience the cultural and natural wonders of Nepal. However, due to the global pandemic COVID-19 crisis and the following concerns for public health and safety, the government made the decision to cancel the planned activities and events associated with the campaign.

The decision to cancel the ‘Visit Nepal Year’ in 2020 was a necessary and responsible measure taken by the government in response to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry of Nepal was significant, with travel disturbances, decreased tourist arrivals, and the closure of hotels and tourist attractions around the nation.

Despite the cancellation of the campaign and the global pandemic, Nepal’s tourism industry remains determined to recover. Since then, the government, along with tourism stakeholders, has been actively working on actions to reform the tourism sector and plan for future tourism initiatives.

With the main target and goal of development for the tourism industry, the Nepal Government has made a special announcement regarding the promotion of tourism in Nepal. Intending to attract global visitors and showcase the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage, the government has declared the Nepali year 2080 B.S. as the ‘Visit Nepal Decade’ and selected the year 2025 AD as a ‘Nepal Special Tourism Year’.

The declaration of the Visit Nepal Decade and Nepal special tourism year represents a long-term commitment by the government to boost tourism and place Nepal as a whole travel destination in the international market. This initiative spans over ten years, highlighting maintained efforts to develop and promote the tourism sector, attract more tourists, and create substantial socio-economic benefits for the country.

The Nepal Special Tourism Year 2025 further adds excitement to the tourism landscape of Nepal. With a dedicated focus on the year 2025, the government aims to provide unique and memorable experiences to travelers, drawing them to explore the diverse attractions that Nepal has to offer. This special year is expected to showcase Nepal’s beauty, cultural heritage, adventure activities, and spiritual destinations on a grand scale.

The government’s commitment to the Visit Nepal Decade and the Nepal Special Tourism Year 2025 signifies the government’s focus on infrastructure development, promoting sustainable tourism practices, enhancing tourist facilities, and diversifying tourism products. The declaration of Nepal special tourism year  also serves as an invitation to travelers worldwide to embark on a journey through Nepal’s majestic landscapes, ancient temples, picturesque Himalayan ranges, and warm hospitality.

Whether it’s exploring the bustling streets of Kathmandu, trekking through the Annapurna or Everest regions, or immersing oneself in the spiritual peace of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal offers a wide range of experiences for every type of traveler.

Current status of Tourism in Nepal

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourist arrival in Nepal was around 1.2 million in 2018 and 2019. Similarly, 23,085 foreign tourists reached Nepal in 2021 while over half a million international tourists visited the country in the first 11 months of 2022.

After fighting the Global pandemic, the country has seen some stability in the Tourism sector. Nepal’s tourism industry has been experiencing a remarkable change since the beginning of 2023, with a significant increase in the number of visitors entering the country. As per the latest statistics maintained by the Nepal Tourism Board, the arrival of foreign tourists has exceeded expectations, reaching a figure of over 326 thousand in just four months of 2023.

This wave in tourist arrivals has been a cause for celebration among Nepal’s tourism stakeholders. The numbers show a promising vision of Nepal’s growing popularity as a global travel destination. The steady increase in arrivals indicates resumed confidence in Nepal’s tourism sector, reflecting the successful efforts made by the government and tourism authorities to promote the country’s unique attractions and enhance its tourism infrastructure.

Every month, Nepal has been welcoming nearly 100 thousand tourists since the start of 2023. This consistent flow of visitors shows the potential of Nepal as a global travel destination. From adventure lovers seeking the thrill of trekking in the giant Himalayas to cultural enthusiasts keen to explore Nepal’s ancient temples and historical sites, the country has a wide range of attractions and experiences.

Furthermore, the efforts made by the government and tourism authorities to enhance infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism practices, and improve accessibility have played a key role in attracting more visitors. And the recently announced campaign, Visit Nepal Decade and Nepal special tourism year  adds more points to raising awareness about Nepal’s tourism potential and showcasing its unique offerings to a global audience.

With a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure experiences, Nepal is expected to attract even more tourists in the coming months and beyond.

More about the Nepal Special tourism year 2025

With the announcement being made, several goals of the campaign were revealed. The action plan includes goals like raising the tourist arrival in Nepal to 3.5 million and creating 1 million added jobs in the country’s tourism industry. The President similarly made an announcement that timely revisions would be made to tourism-related law.

In this significant move to enhance Nepal’s tourism, the government has also revealed plans to identify new tourist destinations in all seven provinces, aiming to create a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Each province will be developed as a cultural village, showcasing its unique traditions, heritage, and local customs. These initiatives are part of the government’s policies and programs designed to boost tourism and provide travelers with a deeper immersion into Nepal’s rich cultural diversity.

In addition to cultural attractions, the government has recognized the potential of new mountains for climbing. With an emphasis on safety and security, arrangements will be made to ensure the well-being of climbers and tourists. The concept of film tourism will also be prioritized and expanded, presenting new opportunities for Nepal’s film industry and inviting international productions to utilize the country’s breathtaking landscapes as backdrops for their films. This blend of film and tourism will create a mutually beneficial relationship, showcasing Nepal’s natural beauty to a global audience and contributing to the growth of the local film sector.

Recognizing the valuable contributions of foreign citizens in promoting Nepal’s art, culture, language, and literature on the international stage, the government, in collaboration with private sectors, will offer the prestigious ‘Sagarmatha Special Honour’ to deserving individuals. This recognition serves to celebrate and recognize their role in promoting Nepal’s cultural heritage and facilitating global understanding and appreciation.

The government’s policies and programs also emphasize the importance of sticking to air safety standards, ensuring the safety of both domestic and international air travelers. This commitment to maintaining high safety standards will enhance Nepal’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination for air travel.

Furthermore, the development of religious and spiritual centers is highlighted, with a specific focus on Pashupati and Lumbini. These sites will be nurtured and expanded to serve as prominent centers for religious and spiritual study, attracting pilgrims and seekers of inner peace from around the world. This effort aligns with the government’s vision to preserve and promote Nepal’s spiritual heritage and encourage spiritual tourism.

Likewise, the government also aspires to grow per tourist per day spending from the present 48 US dollars to 125 US dollars. In the past, Nepal has celebrated visit Nepal years but this is the first time that a visit Nepal decade has been announced with the purpose of long-term tourism growth and promotion.

The government’s comprehensive approach to tourism development contains diverse aspects, from cultural immersion and adventure tourism to film tourism, recognition of foreign contributions, air safety, and spiritual centers. These initiatives reflect Nepal’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism from Nepal special tourism year. They also want to  preserving its unique cultural identity, and placing the country as a premier destination for travelers seeking deep experiences and transformative journeys.

Key points: Some commitments made for promoting the Nepal special tourism Year 2025 and the tourism decade in the 2080s

The government has made several key commitments aimed at promoting Nepal special tourism year in the years 2025 and beyond, as part of the Visit Nepal Decade and the Special Tourism Year. These commitments include:

• Revision of tourism-related laws to ensure they are up-to-date and promote the smooth functioning and growth of the tourism industry.
• Emphasis on promoting tourist destinations and developing the necessary infrastructure to enhance the traveler experience.
• Identification and development of new tourist destinations across all seven provinces, transforming them into cultural villages that showcase unique culture, tradition, and heritage.
• Conducting research to open new mountains for climbing and expedition while prioritizing safety measures to provide a better experience for adventure travelers.
• Introduction of film tourism to expand the scope of the industry and attract international film productions.
• Inviting renowned personalities to endorse Nepal’s tourism on a global scale and contribute to its promotion.
• Establishment of the ‘Sagarmatha Special Honour,’ a special appreciation award for foreign nationals who have made important contributions to promoting Nepal and its cultural values internationally.
• Strict commitment to air safety standards to ensure the safety of domestic and international air travelers.
• Prioritizing the development of Pashupati and Lumbini as centers for religious and spiritual study for preserving and promoting Nepal’s spiritual heritage.

With the Visit Nepal Decade and the Nepal Special Tourism Year 2025, Nepal expects a decade of growth, creation, and unforgettable travel experiences. Travelers around the globe can expect an excess of exciting events, cultural festivals, adventure activities, and unique opportunities to connect with the vibrant culture and traditions of Nepal during this time.

How can tourism stakeholders support the Nepal Special tourism year campaign?

Tourism stakeholders play a crucial role in supporting the campaign which further adds to the overall success. Tourism stakeholders around the nation can support the campaign by undertaking the following actions:

Implementing Comprehensive Marketing Strategies: Developing and executing marketing campaigns to create awareness and promote Nepal’s tourism across various platforms, including digital media, travel publications, and social media channels falls under the responsibility of the tourism stakeholders.

Improving Service Quality: Focusing on improving the quality of services and facilities provided to tourists is another way to support the campaign. This includes ensuring well-trained and knowledgeable staff guide the tours, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards, and offering comfortable accommodation and transportation options for the tourists.

Developing Sustainable Tourism Practices: Embracing sustainable tourism principles and working towards minimizing the negative impact on the environment and local communities is the point that should be focused on for the long-term development of tourism. All tourism stakeholders should focus on encouraging responsible travel practices, such as waste management, conservation of natural resources, and respect for local cultures and traditions.

Providing Training and Capacity Building: During the Nepal special tourism year time offering training programs and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of tourism professionals should be done. This includes providing customer service training, language proficiency courses, and specialized training on cultural heritage and natural attractions.

Establishing Partnerships: Building strategic partnerships with international travel agencies, tour operators, and airlines to expand market reach and attract a diverse range of tourists. The focus should be given to collaborating with media outlets, influencers, and travel bloggers to showcase Nepal’s unique experiences and increase tourist arrivals.

Monitoring and Evaluation:  During the Nepal special tourism year time regular monitoring of the impact of tourism activities on local communities, natural resources, and cultural heritage should be done. Collecting feedback from tourists and local stakeholders to continuously improve the visitor experience and address any concerns or challenges.

By actively engaging in these actions, tourism stakeholders can contribute to the success of the Nepal special tourism year and  decade campaign and drive sustainable growth in Nepal’s tourism industry. Overall, the tourism decade 2080s and the Nepal special tourism year 2025 is expected to bring certain developments to the tourism industry of Nepal.