Nepal’s Tourism Faces Significant Headwinds as Protests and Violence Threaten to Reduce Arrivals by 40%

Nepal’s tourism sector is facing significant challenges following a period of protests, violence, arson, and political instability, all compounded by natural disasters. September, October, and November mark the country’s peak tourist season, renowned for adventure tourism and trekking.

However, stakeholders report a decline in tourist arrivals due to the demonstrations, violence, and arson that occurred on September 8 and 9, alongside sudden shifts in weather.

According to Bishnu Prasad Lamsal of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), tourist arrivals this season are estimated to drop by up to 40% due to the combination of violence, arson, and natural calamities. Most tourists canceled their trips to Nepal for September.

“Last-minute cancellations are a major loss,” Lamsal stated. While there are some bookings for October, the recent incidents of protests and jailbreaks have created a climate of fear among tourists. He noted that cancellations were particularly high among visitors from Japan, Singapore, the US, and Australia. The agitation, which was primarily centered in Kathmandu, and the policy of travel insurance companies not to cover damage in Kathmandu, have further contributed to the situation. 

Binayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), confirmed that all bookings for the past month were canceled due to the protests, violence, and arson. “This has a huge impact on the hotel industry,” Shah said. Despite this, over 20,000 tourists are currently in Nepal. Nepali embassies have issued calls for tourists to visit Nepal, keeping the current developments in mind.

Shah mentioned that hotels are offering various facilities and discounts to attract tourists. “The incidents of arson and vandalism at hotels have made us more vigilant. We are paying full attention to security and services,” he added. He believes that positive messages shared by tourists currently in Nepal on social media will help the sector recover.

Data from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) shows that 78,711 tourists visited Nepal in September 2025, an 18.3% decrease compared to September 2024. This drop occurred during what is traditionally Nepal’s prime tourist season. The board reported that 15,556 Indian tourists arrived in September, a 32.3% decrease from last year.

Furthermore, arrivals included 9,679 from the US, 6,824 from Australia, 5,237 from China, and 4,981 from the UK. The two days of protests, violence, and arson, along with changes in weather, are cited as the main reasons for the decline.

Sudan Subedi, spokesperson for the NTB, stated that the violence and arson have dealt a blow to Nepal’s international image, with natural disasters adding to the existing challenges. “We are encouraging tourists in Nepal to share their experiences. They will help spread the message through social media that Nepal is safe,” he said. The Board is coordinating with local authorities and the police to ensure safety.

A key strength of Nepal’s tourism sector is the historical record that, despite all political developments, tourists have never been attacked. This provides confidence that the sector will soon regain its momentum. Stakeholders are working to restore tourist confidence through security, enhanced facilities, and positive messaging.