West Asia Tensions Impact Nepal Tourism; Nepal Tourism Board Seeks Alternative Routes and New Markets

Due to rising military tensions in West Asia, the number of foreign tourists coming to Nepal has started to be affected, prompting the Nepal Tourism Board to develop alternative strategies. According to CEO Deepak Raj Joshi, major transit routes such as Dubai and Doha have been impacted, so alternative routes through Istanbul, India, Hong Kong, China, and Southeast Asian cities are being promoted. The board has begun coordination with travel agencies and international airlines to implement re-routing and market diversification plans. It is also sending a positive message globally that Nepal remains politically stable, the weather is favorable, and tourism activities are running smoothly. With a target to increase tourist arrivals by 20–25 percent in 2026, the board is now focusing more on Asian and neighboring markets.