KATHMANDU: Increased number of flights and air seats has swelled the number of Chinese tourists arriving in Nepal. According to Arjun Sharma, first vice-president of Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents (NATTA), it is around eight years since Nepal was identified as a holiday destination for Chinese but due to seat capacity problem and lack of promotion the number of tourist arriving to Nepal was small. “Now, the scenario has changed. Nepal is regulary getting promotion as a holiday destination for Chinese. This has created a positive impact on the number of Chinese tourists’ arrival,” said Sharma.

“ Air China, Southern China and Dragon Air are some airlines while China Eastern is soon starting from September 20,” Sharma said adding that due to awareness about the demand for tour packages to Nepal the number of flights from China to Nepal are also increasing and commercial flights are getting added.

Air China has its route from Chandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu while Southern China comes in from Ghaunzau and Dragon Airlines from Hong Kong.

With the increase in number of flights to Nepal air tickets will be cheaper resulting in more tourist arrivals. Currently, the individual cost for Chinese tourists is expensive and this is one reason for less Chinese arriving in Nepal, opined Sharma.

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Immigration Office figures show this August there has 87 per cent growth in tourist arrivals from China. Arrivals from Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand also increased by 27 per cent, 44 per cent, 21 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively. The Asian markets to decline in this month were Malaysia (13 per cent) and Chinese Taipei (21 per cent). In aggregate, the Asian segment has registered a positive growth of 26 per cent.

An overall positive growth of 11 per cent happened from the European markets.