KATHMANDU: Nepal’s tourism sector has started 2026 on a positive trajectory, with international visitor arrivals crossing 92,500 in January, signalling sustained recovery and growing confidence among global travellers.

According to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 92,573 international visitors arrived in Nepal in January 2026. The figure represents a 15 percent increase compared to the same month in 2025 and stands 14 percent higher than January 2019, the last pre-pandemic benchmark year.

The Indian market continued to dominate inbound arrivals, accounting for 26,624 visitors, or 28.8 percent of the total. China emerged as the second-largest source market with 9,101 arrivals (9.8 percent), followed closely by the United States with 8,406 visitors (9.1 percent). Other major source markets included Bangladesh with 5,814 arrivals (6.3 percent) and Australia with 4,957 visitors (5.4 percent).

From a regional perspective, South Asia (SAARC countries) remained the largest contributor, making up 39.3 percent of total arrivals. Visitors from other Asian countries accounted for 26.1 percent, while Europe contributed 12.3 percent. The Americas accounted for 10.8 percent, followed by Oceania at 5.7 percent, the Middle East at 1.0 percent, and Africa at 0.4 percent. Arrivals from other regions comprised 4.5 percent.

Tourism stakeholders view the January performance as an encouraging indicator for 2026’s overall tourism outlook, particularly as arrivals have already surpassed pre-COVID levels early in the year. The continued strength of regional markets, combined with steady long-haul demand, is expected to support Nepal’s positioning as a year-round, experience-driven destination.