Nepal Tourism Board Discusses Strategies to Mitigate Impact of Middle East Crisis

Kathmandu. The Nepal Tourism Board has discussed alternative strategies to mitigate the impact of the escalating crisis in the Middle East on Nepal's key source markets, air connectivity, and tourist arrivals.

In an interaction program titled "Middle East Crisis and its Impact on Nepali Tourism" organized by the Board on Thursday, stakeholders expressed the view that the crisis should be viewed not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity.

Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, stated that since the Middle East is one of Nepal's primary tourism source markets and a gateway for European and American tourists, the crisis will affect air connectivity and tourist arrivals.

"The government is committed to promoting Nepal as a safe and accessible destination," he said. "A special task force has been formed for this purpose, which will determine the roadmap ahead." He mentioned that while the crisis brings challenges, it also brings opportunities, and the government is firm on minimizing the impact on the tourism sector.

Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, gave a presentation on the current status of tourist arrivals and the overall impact. Board Vice-Chairman Ram Prasad Sapkota 'Kamal' stated that timely information flow and the search for alternative air routes are essential.

"We must send a message to the international community that Nepal is a safe destination," he said. "Fares have increased due to rising fuel prices; the government needs to provide subsidies on airfares to address this."

Similarly, Ram Kaji Khadka, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the world is currently in a complex state of interdependence and the government is preparing to minimize the damage this instability could cause to Nepal's tourism.

"The government is seeking solutions by forming an inter-ministerial committee," he said. "We are coordinating with our diplomatic missions and discussing alternative routes." He emphasized tourism as the basis of economic diplomacy, suggesting that work should be targeted at India and China and that new thinking should be used to seize opportunities.

Nepal Tourism Board member Narendra Dev Bhatta emphasized the need to expand alternative air connectivity. "Operating new routes like Kathmandu-Australia will help mitigate the crisis," he said. "Since the Kathmandu-Narita flight is operating at full capacity, Nepal should make further efforts."

NATTA President Kumar Mani Thapaliya, who is also a Board member, suggested taking initiatives to operate flights via the Kathmandu-Hong Kong route while emphasizing alternative routes.

He mentioned that coordination and flexibility among all stakeholders are necessary, stating, "We must strengthen aviation and ensure flights on alternative routes. Additionally, we need to create further plans to bring tourists who have arrived in India from Europe and America to Nepal." Similarly, member Rishi Bhandari said that special initiatives should be taken to bring in tourists from India and China.

Sagar Pandey, President of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), said that uncertainty has increased for travel through the Middle East, and alternative routes and fuel subsidies are necessary. "Nepal Airlines must play an active role," he said. "Collaboration between the private sector and the government must be strengthened."

Binayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), mentioned that tourists wanting to come to Nepal from Europe are canceling their bookings and that work must be done on alternatives. "Packages should be prepared targeting India and China," he said. "Unnecessary questioning of Indian tourists upon entry into Nepal is discouraging them. The government should facilitate such matters." He suggested promoting internal tourism and attracting neighboring markets through cultural festivals.

NATO President Bishweshwor Shrestha informed that about 47 percent of bookings have been canceled and mentioned that this will have a long-term impact. "We must provide excellent hospitality to the tourists who are here and those who are coming," he said. "Special promotion is needed in China for foreign currency earnings." He also said that flights carrying tourists should be subsidized.

Santushta Kumar Basnet, Director of the Airport Operation Department at Tribhuvan International Airport, informed that an AOCC has been formed for crisis management.

"We have limitations of 11 parking bays, 5 wide-body capacities, and 19 daily landings," he said. "30 airlines are in operation, but the lack of parking and landing capacity has become a challenge. This has led to long traffic holding problems. We are ready to do the necessary work for the convenience of tourist movement."

Representatives of various airlines mentioned that there were good tourist arrivals in 2025 and the beginning of 2026 is also balanced, stating that while the crisis cannot be avoided, active strategies can mitigate the impact.

"If access from Europe is difficult, other destinations should be targeted," they said. "The message that Nepal is a safe, peaceful, and sustainable destination must be spread to the world." They also held the view that visa processes should be simplified and new opportunities should be explored.

An Air India representative mentioned that despite the rise in fuel prices, no flights have been canceled and a flexible booking system has been implemented. "This is not the time to complain," he said. "We have become flexible to bring passengers. Tourism entrepreneurs should also adopt strategies to bring in tourists by announcing discount packages."

Similarly, TURGAN President Thaneshwor Devkota said that since guides are the main basis of tourist satisfaction, collaboration is necessary. Other representatives of the private sector suggested reducing air charges taken in dollars from foreigners and working on new opportunities. "We have not been able to utilize opportunities like Bhutan; now we must take some additional steps," they said.

In the closing of the program, Rohini Khanal of the Nepal Tourism Board expressed gratitude for all the suggestions and stated, "Coordination and effective communication are the current needs." Participants in the interaction concluded that by turning the crisis into an opportunity, the Nepali tourism sector should be made safe and robust through alternative air routes, subsidy policies, promotion targeting neighboring markets, and coordinated efforts.