News

The increasing trend in tourist arrival to Nepal continued to increase in the month of March recording a growth rate of 17.3% against the arrival figure of same period last year. According to statistical figure disseminated by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 40,032 foreign visitors came to Nepal via air in March 2008. Expect some Asian countries, arrival figures of all market segments were very encouraging in the month of March. The arrivals from India, which had been dwindling for the last few months, recorded a growth of 9%. "European markets as a whole has registered a very optimistic figure with whopping growths from some individual markets. The arrival growths from Denmark (178 %), Norway (83 %), Spain (64 %), Sweden (134 %) and Austria (55 %) are very noteworthy," the press release issued by NTB reads. It further states that the UK and USA markets reflect a very promising sign of growing consumer confidence on Nepal as the UK market grew by 27 % with considerable share (10 %) and the USA rose by 42 % with 8 % contribution in the total arrivals. Likewise, arrival from France and Germany grew by 34% and 8% respectively. However, Japan (-19%), Malaysia (-28%), Thailand (-32%), Taiwan (-37%) recorded negative growth rate in the month. The total tourist arrival in the first three months of 2008 has increased by 16% to 96,137. NTB has said that the growing trend in tourist arrival is because increasing consumers' confidence towards Nepal; good air connection between Kathmandu and other international cities; and stable political situation in the country.

Eco Everest Expedition to start from April 6

Eco Everest Expedition to start from April 6 Eco Everest Expedition 2008, that is being organized to draw the world's attention to the rapid melting of glaciers and making local communities aware of its impacts, is setting out to the Everest Region on April 6, 2008. This was informed in a press conference organized in Kathmandu on April 3, 2008. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dawa Steven Sherpa, team leader of the expedition, said that the expedition would be the most environment-friendly expedition ever organized on Mt. Everest. 'Mountains are the abode of gods and they have to be kept free of garbage. That is why we are also encouraging other expedition teams to adopt environment-friendly measures,' Sherpa added. He also said that his expedition will try to get rid of around 5 tons of garbage littering the slopes of Mt. Everest. 'Degradable garbage would be destroyed in Khumjung and non-degradable garbage will be brought to Kathmandu for proper dispose,' he added. Sherpa also demonstrated environment-friendly expedition accessories like clean mountain cans, restop bags, briquettes, solar heated oven, solar light and environment bags. He also handed over a cheque of USD 20,000 to the Environment Trust Fund. The amount was donated by people from around the world. A total of 11 climbers are taking part in the expedition, including Japanese mountaineer and environmentalist Mr. Ken Noguchi (up to the base camp). The expedition is endorsed by renowned mountaineers like Reinhold Messener and Peter Habeler. At the sidelines of the expedition, environment experts from International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) will conduct series of experiments and researches in the Everest Region. The expedition also marks the 25th anniversary of ICIMOD.