Nepali Tourists Secure 7th Spot Among Foreign Visitors to India in 2022

The Ministry of Tourism of India has released data for the year 2022, revealing that Nepali tourists have clinched the 7th position among foreign visitors to India. The data highlights that out of the 6.2 million tourists welcomed by India in 2022, Nepali nationals constituted 2.19 percent, totaling 135,347 individuals.

December Emerges as Peak Season for Nepali Tourists

The statistics indicate a notable trend in Nepali tourism, with December standing out as the peak season for travel to India. Favored by favorable weather conditions, this month witnesses a surge in Nepali tourists engaging in sightseeing activities across various Indian destinations. Additionally, the eve of the English New Year contributes to the travel influx, with many citizens venturing out during this period.

Top Tourist Contributors and Impact of COVID-19

In 2022, the United States topped the list with 1.3 million American tourists visiting India, followed closely by Bangladesh with 1.25 million visitors. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indian tourism is evident, with a significant recovery from the 2021 figures of 1.52 million tourists, a stark contrast to the peak of 10.9 million visitors recorded in 2019.

Key Entry Points and Airports

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi retained its status as a key entry point for tourists, hosting 1.93 million arrivals in 2022, constituting 31.21 percent of the total number of tourists. Other significant entry points included airports in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, and Kolkata.

Indian Tourists in Nepal

On the flip side, the data also revealed that in 2022, 209,105 Indian citizens visited Nepal, securing the top spot among total tourist numbers. Despite this, Nepal has yet to become a prominent choice for Indian tourists, raising questions about the factors influencing travel preferences between the two neighboring nations.

The Ministry of Tourism anticipates continued growth in tourism figures for the coming years, with efforts to promote travel and enhance bilateral tourism ties between India and Nepal.