Nepal's Tourism Sector Flourishes with 1.2 Million Jobs and Growing Interest from GCC Travelers
Nepal's tourism sector played a vital role in the country's economy, providing direct and indirect employment to 1.2 million people in 2023, contributing 6.1% to the GDP. The sector's contribution is projected to increase to 6.6% in 2024, as growing numbers of international travelers explore Nepal's diverse attractions.
Speaking at the Tourism to Nepal: Mountain and More promotional event at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel in Manama, Nepal's Ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Tirtha Raj Wagle, highlighted the sector's robust performance. He revealed that 1.15 million tourists visited Nepal in 2024, with India, the USA, the UK, China, Australia, Germany, and France ranking among the top sources of visitors.
'We are delighted to see growing interest in Nepal from tourists in the GCC countries,' Ambassador Wagle said in remarks to the Daily Tribune.
The event also shed light on the expanding prospects for Nepal-Bahrain cooperation in tourism, particularly in mountaineering and hospitality. Ambassador Wagle recalled a remarkable milestone in Nepal-Bahrain relations—the historic Everest summit by the Bahrain Royal Guard team. On May 11, 2021, a 16-member team led by Shaikh Mohammed Hamad Mohammed Al Khalifa successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, marking the first-ever ascent by Bahrainis.
Reflecting on the achievement, Ambassador Wagle noted that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa personally congratulated the climbers, remarking, 'Bahrain's message from the highest mountain is that peace and security should prevail all over the world.'
Adding a personal touch to the event, Mohamed Isa delivered an inspiring speech recounting his trekking experiences in Nepal and the country's breathtaking landscapes.
Dr. Ali Hassan Follad, Advisor to Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, attended the event as the representative of H.E. Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Bahrain's Minister of Tourism, underscoring Bahrain's keen interest in strengthening tourism ties with Nepal.
The event served as a platform to promote Nepal's tourism potential, further cementing its status as a premier global travel destination.
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