With the country moving towards peace and stability following the recent political development of the country, the number of tourists visiting Nepal via air route registered a marginal growth of 0.4% in December 2006.

According to the data released by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, visitors arriving from Europe, US and other non-Indian Asian tourist generating countries recorded a growth of 6.1% while Indian arrivals fell down by 8.3% during the month.

The number of visitors from Asian countries like Japan, China and South Korea recorded whopping rise of 36.4%, 7.2% and 70.7% respectively.

However, South East Asian markets Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand declined by 42.6%, -30.2% and -30.2% respectively.

The European markets too recorded an encouraging growth of 12.2% during the month.

The number of Americans visiting Nepal too registered a growth of 10.6% while Australian arrivals went up by 2.7%.

The total non-Indian visitors contributed a 64% share in overall arrivals in December, a 6.1% growth.

A press statement issued by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said the trend indicates growing consumer confidence and interest towards Nepal from the long haul markets.

In terms of annual arrival figures, there has been a 2.3% gain in air arrivals of international visitors to Nepal in 2006 compared to the year 2005.

“By the year end both the Indian and non-Indian market segments recorded positive growth despite their varying performances during the year,” the NTB statement added.