Tourist arrivals soar up by 12.9%  
The beginning of the New Year 2008 has heralded an optimistic tourism growth in Nepal in 2008. The data released by Immigration Office, TIA shows that arrivals in January has grown by 12.9 %, up by 2985 compared to the same month last year.

Although decline in the arrivals from India (-12.2%) and Sri Lanka (-12.5%) have dragged down the total arrivals from SAARC region by 7 %, the European and North American markets have registered robust growth of 33.1 % and 34.3 % respectively. China (96.8%), S. Korea (5.1%), Thailand (23.2 %) and Malaysia (12.1 %) have posted a remarkable growth. It is very notable that contribution of S. Korean market in the total arrivals has come to be very significant. It has contributed more than 10 % in the total arrivals and; it is due to direct flight between Kathmandu and Seoul. The Japanese market is down by 15.3 % which could be due to irregular air service of national flag carrier, NAC, to Japan.

All the European markets have shown positive growth this month, except Austria (-7.5%). The UK (33.9 %), France (78.5 %), Germany (4.5 %), Spain (28.5 %), and Netherlands (36.5 %) have recorded a significant growth showing increased consumer confidence towards the destination.

It is expected that more tourists will travel to Nepal in days to come because of easy accessibility from long haul destinations and forthcoming tourist season.

Situation Update
Nepal is now prepared for the Election of Constituent Assembly on April 10, 2008. To make it more participatory, election campaigns are being held in the different parts of Nepal. In a meeting organised by seven-party alliance (SPA) on January 30, 2008 in Birgunj which is 276 kms east of Kathmandu, minor bombs(Improvised Explosive Device) went off outside the Narayani Stadium. The blast injured dozens of people and there is no report of human casualty in the incident. Tourists were not injured in the incident as Birgunj- a bordering town of Nepal located close to Indian city of Raxual- is the place not frequented by tourists.


Police is investigating on the issue and high alert security is arranged around the area. The security personnel have re-affirmed the commitment for peace and security for the Constituent Assembly Election.

Nepal's first time participation in Nordic Travel Fair MATKA 2008
Nepal Tourism Board along with four Nepalese private travel companies namely Mountain Adventure Trekking, Snowland Travel and Tours, Makalu Adventure and Sahara Worldwide Travels and Tours actively participated for the first time in Nordic Travel Fair Matka 2008, the biggest travel event in Nordic and Baltic region, held from January 17 to 20, 2008 in Helsinki, Finland.

Inaugurated by Dr. Paavo Vayrynen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Government of Finland, the fair had good response from the tour operators and professionals on the first day specially those from nearby Estonia and St. Petersberg. The next three days were aimed at consumers, considering the trend of the Finnish travelers who normally shop around for the holiday destinations during winter. There were 1,100 exhibitors from 77 countries occupying the space of 16,000 sq. meters. Visited by 9178 tour operators and 85000 consumers, the fair showed an encouraging prospect of Nepalese tourism in Finnish as well as North European market.

A long feature article on Himalayas of Nepal and cultural heritage in the MATKA issue of Panorama magazine, written and edited by Mr. Reijo Harkonen, Honorary PRR for NTB, fetched good interest from quite a number of visitors in the Fair. In addition to that, another beautiful article published in "Helsingin Sanomat"- popular daily newspaper with the circulation of 450,000 - on the third day of the fair, January 19, 2008 about Annapurna trekking made the visitors even more curious about Nepal in general and trekking in particular. Inquiries about Nepal by the visitors were tremendous. According to the response of the visitors, they seemed more interested in trekking. Yet, other natural and cultural products have not lost any charm among the Finnish people.

There are more than 10 Nepalese Restaurants, very much well known among the locals, in Helsinki. Their observation about the Finnish people's interest about Nepal shows a great hope and prospect of the growth of Nepalese tourism in Finland. In fact, they can be very good platforms to increase the awareness about Nepal's diverse tourism attractions. The active Nepali diaspora in Finland have played a significant role in generating public awareness about Nepal and cultivating interests in them to visit Nepal.

Finland's national carrier Finn Air has published special fares for Helsinki/Delhi & Helsinki/Mumbai sectors for MATKA 2008 making it "Fast & Easy" travel to Nepal as well. Very soon they are going to come out with a special Pro Rata basis fare for Helsinki/KTM via Delhi. This definitely is a positive sign that supports NTB's first ever participation in Finland along with the Nepalese travel trade.

Nepal Captured Central Stage in TTF Chennai
Nepal's participation in TTF 2008, India's largest Travel and Tourism Fair, in Chennai, received very cheering response amongst Indian visitors. The Fair, held on 18-20 January 2008, registered more than 10000 general visitors and about 650 travel trade.

Like TTF in Banglore, Nepal was projected as a partner country in Chennai too. With the participation of 8 Travel companies, Nepal was center of attraction in the Fair. Visitors had interestingly inquired the pilgrimage packages of Muktinath, Pashupatiunath, and Mt. Kailash and other soft adventure, leisure, and honeymoon offers. The local media were also briefed about special attractions of Nepalese Tourism and safety and security situation in Nepal by NTB Officials.

The fair was inaugurated on 18 January 2007 at Raja Muthiah and Rani Meyyammai Halls in the presence of Sr. Rajaram, Director Tourism of Tamilnadu .

TTF had provided a single roof opportunity to the visitors to make their travel plans, with options to gather information on various national and international destinations, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, adventure attractions, pilgrimage tours etc. A total of 140 inter/national exhibitors had showcased and sold their travel offers. With showcasing national and international destinations and giving a platform for customized packages on offer, TTF now is the largest Travel and Tourism fair of India.