January 4: The beginning of 2021 has given a glimmer of hope to the tourism industry of Nepal. The tourism sector was shut down for nearly 10 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism entrepreneurs are excited by the presence of domestic tourists during the ‘New Year Eve’.

Although the New Year’s Eve, that is popular among foreign tourists, has become a new celebration for domestic tourists in recent years the tourism entrepreneurs are excited after influx of domestic tourists at the event organized amid confusion regarding whether or not to host such events during the pandemic.

They are hopeful that with the increase in domestic tourists, the tourism sector that has been battered by the coronavirus can be revived to some extent. The tourism entrepreneurs believe that domestic tourism is slowly gaining momentum due to the discounts offered by the airliners, including packages on air tickets, and the offers and discounts made by hoteliers and restaurateurs.

On the occasion of the New Year, the number of tourists had increased in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan (Sauraha), Lumbini, Dolakha (Charikot). Recently, after the air bubble agreement with India, even Indian tourists have started coming to Nepal.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Tourism Board, Dr Dhananjay Regmi, said that the programs organized in the New Year and the presence of tourists are expected to boost domestic tourism in the context of non-arrival of foreign tourists due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

"The New Year's program has certainly added to the excitement of people,” he said, “Now there is no alternative to reopen tourism activities by complying with health safety standards.”