An ambitious campaign, NTY 2011 (Nepal Tourism Year 2011), aims to see one million tourist arrivals in 2011, in addition to developing the necessary tourism infrastructure. The announcement was made by the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation on January 25, 2009.

Visit Nepal Year 1998 was the last campaign of this type and saw 500 000 tourist arrivals. In subsequent years the tourism industry was extremely hard hit due to the political instability and Maoist insurgency. Following relative peace and stability in 2008, tourist arrivals were up to 800 000 (a 30% improvement over 2007).

Some remain sceptical over the aims of NTY 2011. The current, world-wide economic climate will undoubtedly have some kind of effect on tourist arrivals in coming months. In addition, it remains to be seen if the new government of Nepal can deliver on its promises and ensure an ongoing stability which is needed for the country to get back onto its feet after years of civil unrest. A major challenge too is the electricity supply shortage, which has seen load-shedding schedules of up to 16 hours at a time!

All in all, Nepal remains a fascinating destination that will not let you depart untouched. Visit it as soon and as often as you can, I say.