Published on : Thursday, May 30, 2019
As per the Economic Survey FY 2018-19 published on May 27, 2019, the per capita spending and average length of foreign tourists’ stay dropped further last year.
The review published by the Ministry of Finance emphasizes that the length of stay of foreign tourists was 12.4 days on an average until mid-March 2018, in comparison to the 12.6 days of the same period last year. Also, the average daily spending decreased to USD 44 compared to USD 54 in 2017.
The decrease in both aspects has created economists to be anxious, in spite of the rise in number of tourists.
Industry stakeholders have recognized the lack of qualitative infrastructure and pollution as the key factors that affect the length of stay and foreign tourists spending.
Also, Shah opines that the government requires shifting its aim from promoting tourism in Chitwan, Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Lumbini, alone. He also pointed out at poor connectivity, which majorly hampers Nepal’s tourism.
The HAN First Vice-President explained costly tickets, on account of Jet Airways closure, can also affect Nepal’s aim of welcoming two million tourists in 2020.
Tags: nepal tourism