Nepal’s political landscape is buzzing ahead of the March 5 elections, with tourism vaulting to the forefront of campaign agendas. Parties are rolling out aggressive plans to rescue an industry crippled by safety scandals and infrastructure woes.
In a striking alignment, the top four parties have centered their manifestos on tourism revival. Key vows encompass rigorous aviation safety reforms to exit the EU air safety list, ramping up international connectivity via fresh airports, and forging stronger aviation ties with India.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) under Rabi Lamichhane leads with flair, promising to double tourist numbers, per capita spending, and length of stays over the next half-decade. ‘We’re not just talking recovery—we’re aiming for explosion,’ Lamichhane told supporters.
Data paints a grim recovery picture: three straight years of just over 1 million arrivals, unchanged from pandemic lows. Stakeholders point fingers at deadly crashes, subpar roads, and feeble promotion efforts abroad.
Economically, tourism remains a powerhouse. Last year, it raked in $2.5 billion, fueled 1.19 million jobs (15.2% of total workforce), and contributed 6.6% to GDP—nearly matching 2019’s 6.7%.
These pledges come at a critical juncture. Nepal’s majestic Himalayas and cultural treasures draw global eyes, but repeated aviation failures have tarnished its image. Election outcomes could unlock billions if reforms take flight, or deepen woes if rhetoric fizzles. The stakes are sky-high for this mountain kingdom’s tourism dreams.