The Consulate General of Nepal in New York appealed to U.S. travel industry leaders yesterday at the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Trade Show in Manhattan, urging them to feature Nepal prominently in their upcoming travel packages.
Mr. Dadhiram Bhandari, the Consul General, utilized the platform to address travel and tour entrepreneurs, emphasizing two key messages: that Nepal is safe for travel and that it offers a diverse range of holiday experiences suitable for all age groups.
The appeal comes at a critical time, following recent protests and acts of arson that inflicted a devastating financial blow on the hotel industry. The Hotel Association of Nepal estimates the total financial damage nationwide exceeds $187.6 million, with approximately two dozen hotels, including major international brands, suffering severe damage from vandalism, arson, and looting. The Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu alone is estimated to have incurred over $60 million in losses.
During the period of unrest, approximately 15,000 foreign tourists were in Nepal. However, following the violence on September 8 and 9, the U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory from Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), citing civil unrest and noting the potential for further demonstrations and limited emergency response capacity.
Despite the turmoil and the revised travel advisory, the Consul General highlighted the significance of the American market. “The U.S. is a significant source market for the Nepali tourism industry, as U.S. visitors continue to be the second largest source in the past several months,” Mr. Bhandari noted.
A total of 78,711 foreign tourists entered Nepal in September 2025. Of this total, 9,679 arrived from the United States—an increase of 3,611 from August, though fewer than the 10,084 U.S. tourists who visited in September of the previous year (2024).
The high number of U.S. arrivals was attributed to Nepali Americans visiting for the Dashain festival and other travelers who chose not to cancel pre-booked trips. Overall, the total number of worldwide tourists in September was 18.3% lower compared to September 2024.
He framed Nepal’s offerings with an evocative theme, stating that the country provides “a lifetime of experiences to the visitors and that once is not enough.” He specifically requested participants to prioritize marketing Nepal and featuring the destination prominently in their promotional activities.
The Consulate’s booth actively showcased Nepal’s tourism offerings, distributing promotional materials provided by the Nepal Tourism Board and offering detailed, travel-related information to attending professionals.
The event, which brought together top airlines, tourism boards, and thought leaders, served as a vital networking opportunity. It was also utilized to strengthen the ongoing collaboration between the Consulate and the PATA New York Chapter, an effort aimed at boosting Nepal’s visibility across the U.S. East Coast.
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Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
