Nepal stands on the cusp of transformative elections on March 5, where tourism isn’t just an afterthought—it’s the star attraction in party manifestos. Amid aviation crises and sluggish recovery, leaders are uniting behind ambitious revival strategies.
Nepali Congress, UML, Maoists, and RSP converge on core reforms: aviation overhauls to appease the EU, expanded flights from twin new international hubs, and India route diplomacy. RSP’s Lamichhane steals the show, targeting doubled arrivals, expenditures, and stays in five years.
Recovery lags badly: 1 million tourists yearly for three years running, unchanged from lows. Experts decry crash-prone airlines, dilapidated roads, and promotion droughts.
The sector’s muscle endures. 2023 delivered $2.5 billion revenue, 1.19 million jobs (15.2% total), and 6.6% GDP share—holding firm near 2019 benchmarks.
This electoral spotlight arrives timely. Nepal’s allure—from Everest treks to ancient temples—beckons millions, yet safety fears repel them. Promises of reform could ignite growth, channeling funds to rural economies and jobs. As ballots are cast, the question lingers: will Nepal’s politicians ground their ambitions in reality, or let tourism’s potential crash-land once more?