Are Indian Tourists Still Flocking to Kathmandu Amidst Gen-Z Protests?
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Synopsis
Kathmandu is witnessing a remarkable resilience in tourism despite the fallout from Gen-Z protests. Recent data reveals that over one million foreign visitors have arrived in Nepal this year, showing a recovery trend that highlights the country's allure amid challenges. Explore how India remains the top source of tourism as other markets fluctuate.
Key Takeaways
- Over one million foreign tourists visited Nepal by November 2025.
- India is the largest source of tourists for Nepal.
- Despite initial declines, tourism is starting to rebound.
- Significant damage to hotels occurred during the Gen-Z protests.
- Arrivals from China are still struggling to recover.
Kathmandu, Dec 1 (NationPress) Despite significant damage to several hotels during the Gen-Z protests in early September, the passion of foreign tourists for visiting Nepal remains undeterred. By November this year, the nation welcomed over one million international visitors.
According to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on Monday, the total number of foreign tourists reaching Nepal from January to November 2025 stood at 1,060,269. This marks a slight increase from the same period in 2024, when 1,055,520 foreign visitors arrived.
Following the Gen-Z protests, which resulted in extensive damage to hotel properties, the World Bank had anticipated a sharp decline in foreign tourist numbers. High-profile hotels, including the Hyatt Regency and Hilton, suffered serious harm during the unrest. The Hilton was utterly destroyed by fire, while the Hyatt remains closed for repairs.
Consequently, Nepal experienced an 18.3% year-on-year drop in tourist arrivals in September. However, October and November demonstrated a slight rebound in numbers, as reported by the NTB. In November, the country hosted 116,553 foreign tourists, reflecting a 1.8% increase.
India continued to be the largest contributor of tourists during this period, with 262,345 Indian visitors, followed by the United States with 105,239. China ranked third with 86,800 tourists.
The United Kingdom and Bangladesh rounded out the top five source markets, sending 54,450 and 50,940 tourists respectively in the first 11 months of 2025.
Throughout this timeframe, Nepal noted a decrease in tourists from both India and China, which affected growth prospects. Compared to the same period in 2024, Indian arrivals dipped by 4.6%, while Chinese arrivals fell by 16.8%.
Although arrivals from the United States saw a modest increase, the number of tourists from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka experienced significant growth, as per the NTB.
Before the pandemic struck, China was Nepal’s second-largest tourist source after India, but arrivals from the northern neighbor are yet to fully rebound, according to NTB data.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the resilient nature of Nepal's tourism industry amid challenges. While the Gen-Z protests caused significant damage, the ability to attract over a million foreign tourists reflects the country's enduring appeal. It's crucial to continue supporting tourism recovery while addressing safety and infrastructure concerns responsibly.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact did the Gen-Z protests have on tourism in Nepal?
The Gen-Z protests caused significant damage to hotel properties, leading to an initial decline in tourist arrivals. However, recent data indicates a recovery, with over one million foreign tourists welcomed by November 2025.
Which country sends the most tourists to Nepal?
India is the largest source market for tourists in Nepal, followed by the United States and China.
How did tourist arrivals change in 2025 compared to 2024?
From January to November 2025, Nepal received 1,060,269 foreign tourists, showing a slight increase from 1,055,520 in the same period of 2024.
Are arrivals from China recovering?
Currently, arrivals from China have not fully recovered and have decreased by 16.8% compared to the same period in 2024.
What is the current state of the tourism industry in Nepal?
Despite the challenges posed by the protests, the tourism industry in Nepal is showing signs of recovery, with a slight increase in foreign visitors.
