August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years. The data shows the birthplace of Gautam Buddha experienced a surge in the influx of tourists in the post-COVID-19 period.    
According to the Lumbini Development Trust, as of July 2023, the arrival of tourists (except those from Nepal and India) increased by 500 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Likewise, the number of visitors from India was more by 30 percent followed by a similar rise in the arrivals of domestic tourists.    
As of July 2023, a total of 23,942 tourists from third countries visited Lumbini while this figure was 3,975 during the corresponding period last year, according to LDT public relations chief and information officer Dr Hari Rai.    
Lumbini welcomed people from 96 countries in 2022. As of July this year, tourists from 67 visited the historic city. It is said more Indians are visiting Lumbini following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here in May, 2022. -- RSS