In January of this year Nepal received a 13 per cent increment in the overall tourist arrival compared to the same period last year. Based on the data provided by Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 26,064 tourists visited in January by air as against 23,079 last year.

The number of European tourists touched 3,442. The total figure of French tourists visiting Nepal stood at 1,032, which is 78.5 per cent more than previous year. Similarly Britons accounted for 1,543.

From North America the tourist arrival rose by 28 per cent reaching a total figure of 2,046 tourists. But sadly the arrival of Indian tourists decreased to 6,440 this year from 7,335 in 2007. The share of Indian tourist which used to be the largest in the total inbound tourists to Nepal has decreased over the years. In January there share declined from the previous figure of 33 % to 25 %.

With more air connection by international airlines and stability in the country, Nepal is poised to receive more tourists in the coming days.