KATHMANDU: Nepal’s tourism sector has recorded steady growth, with tourist arrivals surpassing the 1.1 million mark in the fiscal year 2081/82, according to the Department of Tourism’s latest annual report.

The report, unveiled Thursday by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, shows a total of 1.128 million international visitors entered the country, up from 1.117 million in the previous fiscal year — a rise of nearly one percent.

Officials say the trend reflects continued post-pandemic recovery in the sector.

One notable finding was a slight increase in the average length of stay, from 13.2 days to 13.3 days. Although modest, the change signals that tourists are spending more time exploring Nepal, benefiting local businesses and the economy.

However, the report also pointed to a marginal drop in spending habits. Average daily expenditure per tourist fell from USD 41 to USD 40.8.

Tourism analysts suggest the shift could indicate a rise in budget-conscious travelers, prompting the need for strategies to attract higher-spending visitors.

The Department of Tourism’s annual review also outlines key developments, achievements, and challenges in the sector, setting the tone for policy priorities in the year ahead.