The arrival figures released Nepal Tourism Board shows that visitor arrivals to Nepal increased by 3% with total 198,366 visitors till July 2008 in comparison to the same period last year. The arrival figures for the month of July, decreased by 19 % as compared to the same month last year. A total of 21,203 tourists visited Nepal during the month via air.

High value markets of USA, Japan, and UK witnessed a slow down in tourist arrival by 15%, 12% and 2% respectively. India, which constitutes a major segment of tourists for Nepal, also saw a decline of 24 %. However, Asian countries suchas Singapore and Malaysia posted a 13% growth each. Pakistan (53%) and Sri Lanka (18%).

As per the arrival statistics, tourist arrival from China, South Korea, and Thailand also recorded negative growth.

European arrivals are also reported to witness a slump in number. Italy (44 %), France (32%), Germany (39%) and Spain (25%) were down. Whereas Austria and Norway have grossed an increment of 35 % and 66 % respectively.