Tourism flourishes in tranquility. It fructifies in those situations where tourists’ movement is not constricted by any internal or external factors. Thus, political instability is proved to be the biggest hindrance for the smooth operation of tourism industry in Nepal. But Nepal is gradually emerging from the situation of political instability and uncertainty. 

 

The tourism industry of Nepal has not yet tapped to the possible opportunities as Nepal’s nature-based tourism can offer a lot to visitors. 

 

Nepal witnessed the positive sign by the total tourist arrivals in 2012 figuring 598,204 which is 53,219 more visitors compared to 2011. The year 2012 has concluded with positive notes both in terms of total visitor arrivals for the month of December and also for the whole year, according to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). 

 

According to statistics of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 598,204 foreign tourists entered the country via aerial route in 2012. Nepal welcomed around 161,000 European tourists in 2012, according to the statistics. The statistics shows total arrivals from Asia, other than South Asia, grew by 15.1 percent during in 2012. The statistics of 2012 also show that 12.97% tourists visited Nepal for the purpose of trekking. Similarly, 3.85% visited for official purpose, 3.11% for business, 12.76% for religion, 4.09 for leisure, 0.62% for mountaineering, 1.71% for conventions and exhibition, 0.21% for rafting, 4.3% for travel, 2.36% for research and 3.69% for other purposes. 

 

The statistics show glimpses of possibilities for a bright future of tourism. 

 

According to the data provided by economic survey FY 2012, Ministry of Finance, the rate of tourist arrival in Nepal has increased by 9.08 per cent between 2011 and 2012. A total of 7, 36,215 tourist entered to Nepal in the year 2011 which increased to 8,03,092 in 2012. 

 

Though the number of tourist visiting to Nepal has been increasing, their average stay in Nepal has been decreased by 0.25 percent in 2012.