SANGAM

Nepalis struck by wanderlust

SANGAM PRASAIN

KATHMANDU, AUG 27 -
Nepali outbound has been gradually increasing thanks to affordable tour packages and rising disposable income.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the number of Nepali holidaymakers visiting foreign countries increased by 26 percent to 27,679 in 2009 from 21,899 in 2008.

Tour operators say that the most popular destination for Nepali fun seekers is Thailand followed by Malaysia and Singapore. More Nepali travellers are making trips to European destinations and Japan too.

Changing lifestyles of the younger generation combined with simplified visa procedures and easy availability of tour packages have spurred Nepalis to travel and see the world, said travel agents.

Bhola Bikram Thapa, managing director of President Travel & Tours, said that outbound figures could double this year considering present sales trends.

Simplification of visa procedures by European countries has also encouraged Nepali travellers to spend their holidays on the Continent.

“Last year, we sold around 800-1,000 packages which represented a slight growth over the previous year,” he added.

An expanding middle class in Nepal is another reason for the growth in outbound. A recent report published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) entitled The Rise of Asia’s Middle Class said that there were 1.41 million people in Nepal earning US$ 4-10 per day. Similarly, 230,000 Nepalis earn US$ 10-20 per day and 100,000 people make more than US$ 20 per day.

With the Dashain festival approaching, travel agents said that bookings were picking up. The holidays start from mid-September. Most of the bookings are for tour packages to Bangkok.

Marco Polo Travels, that deals in tours to Thailand, Malaysia, Egypt and China, has already sold 150 packages. Last year, the agency sold over 500 packages.

“People want to get away from their daily routine here. And these packages offer what they want,” said Prajita Satyal, sales executive of Marco Polo Travels.

“Nepalis prefer to spend their holidays in Bangkok because of the wide range of amusements available there from shopping and safari to speed boat rides and visit to Coral Island,” she said.

Marco Polo’s five-night, six-day package with three nights in Bangkok, two in Pattaya and a day trip to Coral Island costs Rs. 44,000 including airfare. Accommodation is provided in three-star hotels.