The number of tourist arriving by air in May 2004 reached 22,278, an increase of 22% from the same period last year, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.

Compared to April 2004, Indian tourist arrivals grew by 2% while arrivals from other countries were up by 48%. The major market figures given were: Japan up 24% USA up 35%, UK up 41%, France up 56% and Germany up 75%. The number of arrivals from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Israel has also increased.

For the first time, tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand have been included in the country-wise analysis. Previously, these four countries were in the “others” category but as they now account for a 5% of all arrivals, they have been grouped into a separate category.

There was a substantial increase in the number of tourists from Austria, Italy, Holland Spain and China.

Compared to May 1999, the year in which the highest number of tourists visited Nepal, the figures for May 2004 are still down by 42%.