Prospect of Nepalese Tourism

Nepal tourism- An Opportunity of Attracting Neighbors Nepal is locked between two giant nations. We have always acknowledged this feature of Nepal as a disadvantage. It can be termed as a disadvantage when we consider the inaccessible sea link or the benefit from a country receives from coastal tourism. But is it all loss when it comes to tourism? China and India are the most populous countries in the world. In 2018, these countries together constitute about 36% of the population of the world.

Even though these countries have a massive population, Nepal is unable to recognize this fact as a benefit. Nepal has been receiving about 1.36 million Indian tourists every year, including both tourists passing through the border as well as air arrivals. Even though the trend of Chinese tourist is increasing substantially compared to the past, Nepal still has not been able to attract Chinese tourists up to its full potential. Nepal is recognized by foreigners for the adventurous sports and trekking but these activities lack the security and proper infrastructure causing tourists to lose appeal. These adventurous activities also do not appeal to tourists who are elders. 

As the massive population of China is slowly ageing, we should consider investing in infrastructures for tourism that is more than just adventures. So the appeal we would like to create is relaxing and slow travel rather than tight itineraries. The idea here is to establish the brand of Nepal and develop its infrastructures to accommodate all age groups whether it is youngsters or elders and types of tourist who are travelling to Nepal. Firstly, the appeal Nepal want is trying to create for the Chinese tourist is mostly related to pilgrimage. 

The pace of Nepal on building the Gautam Buddha International Airport speaks the enormous opportunities that it might contribute to the tourism of Nepal. But are we just solely depending on pilgrimage are not enough. The steps should be started obviously by building better roads for comfortable travel. Encouraging longer travel itineraries, widespread luxury hotels, and building means of transport such as cable cars focusing on comfort and relaxation can be a means of attracting an ageing population of this giant nation. The promotion of Nepal in China through branding it also as a retirement and pilgrimage hub can help increase the tourists entering the country. 

Apart from creating such a brand image, one can also picture Nepal growing its infrastructures to establish itself as the entertainment hub of South Asia. This would include the country focusing its investment on a certain region to develop entertainment attractions. This might include investing in building world-class theme parks, water parks, safari zones, wildlife reserves tours, casinos, gaming destinations, zoos, and many more. Many places such as Las Vegas and Macau have used these entertainment attractions as a means to attract tourists. If Nepal establishes itself as an entertainment, it will gain more tourists from both the neighboring countries as well as from other parts of South Asia.