Nepal Government Appeals for Increased Himalayan Tourism

By JEONG SE HEE Posted : September 3, 2026, 09:32 Updated : September 3, 2026, 09:32

The Nepalese government has urged international travelers to visit the Himalayas to aid in recovery efforts.


On September 2, Nepal's Minister of Tourism, Kadhak Raj Paudel, shared a video on Facebook featuring the hashtag #NepalCalling. He stated, "Our mountain trails and trekking routes are still waiting for you."


He added, "Visiting Nepal this time does not just mean a vacation; it will be a significant help to a country fighting the tragedy of sudden floods."


The tourism industry centered around the Himalayan region is considered one of Nepal's key national industries.


While the tourism sector directly contributes about 6% to the country's GDP, its overall impact, including related industries such as aviation, accommodation, food and beverage, and retail, is estimated to account for approximately 10% of Nepal's economy.


Meanwhile, according to reports from AFP and Reuters, the Nepal Disaster Management Authority has confirmed that the death toll from the recent floods in Nepal has risen to at least 1,114. This brings the total number of fatalities, including 16 in China, to 1,130.


There are currently 4,462 people reported missing, including 3,916 in Nepal (583 foreigners) and 546 in China (261 foreigners).





* This article has been translated by AI.

Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.