Flow of tourists to Nepal from India posted 28 per cent growth in 2011 as compared to 2010, an official of Nepal Tourism Board said on Monday.
India is the most significant market for the Nepalese tourism industry, accounting for about one-third of the total overseas visitors,” Mr Udai Bhattarai, a member of Nepal Tourism Board, said at a press conference here.
The Himalayan nation recorded a robust 28 per cent increase in Indian tourists last year as compared to 2010, he said without revealing figures.
Nepal tourism generated $377 million revenue in 2010 with influx of travellers from the UK, Japan, Spain, Germany and France. These countries accounted for 45 per cent share in the tourism market, Mr Bhattarai said.
Mr Diwakar Bikram Rana, Officiating Director of the Board, said 2012 has been declared as the ‘Lumbini Year’ to promote the birthplace of Lord Buddha as a tourist spot.
The Board has embarked on a series of roadshows with the aim of increasing awareness in India about Nepal’s tourism’s offerings, Mr Rana said.
The tourism sector contributes 4 per cent to Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Mr Rana said.