Nepal is facing one of the most difficult moments in its recent history. Settlements have been swept away, roads and bridges have disappeared under floodwaters and rescue teams are still searching for missing people. Yet, amid the devastation, the country has a message for tourists: “do not stay away.”Nepal’s tourism authorities are urging international travellers to continue visiting the country, arguing that tourism could provide much-needed support as the Himalayan nation begins the long and expensive process of recovery.“Our mountain trails and trekking routes are still waiting for you,” Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel said in a video message on facebook, using the hashtag #NepalCalling. “Your coming to Nepal this time does not mean only a holiday. It’s a big support to the country fighting this catastrophic tragedy of flash floods,” the minister added.Watch video here-The appeal comes at a difficult time for Nepal’s tourism industry. Images of raging floodwaters, destroyed villages, collapsed bridges and stranded travellers have understandably raised concerns about whether the country remains safe to visit. But the disaster has not affected every part of Nepal in the same way.Nepal’s death toll had climbed to at least 1,010 by Tuesday, while rescue operations continued. Nearly 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries were still reported missing, according to figures cited by Nepal’s foreign ministry.The tragedy has also affected vital infrastructure. At least 12 hydropower projects in the Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts suffered damage, according to the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal.Thousands of people have already been rescued. Nepal said nearly 12,000 people had been brought to safety, with helicopters playing a crucial role in reaching areas cut off by the destruction of roads and bridges.
Why tourism matters so much to Nepal
Tourism is a vital pillar of Nepal’s economy- supporting local communities and businesses across the country.
For Nepal, tourism is more than a source of foreign visitors. It supports hotels, restaurants, guides, transport operators, porters, trekking agencies and countless small businesses spread across the country. A prolonged fall in tourist arrivals could therefore hit communities far beyond the areas directly damaged by the floods.The country is asking travellers to look beyond the heartbreaking images coming out of the flood-hit regions and recognise that large parts of its tourism economy still need visitors. For Nepal, every hotel booking, trek, restaurant meal and local guide hired can help keep livelihoods going at a time when reconstruction costs are mounting.But the appeal comes with an important distinction: supporting Nepal does not mean ignoring the disaster or taking unnecessary risks. The safest approach for travellers is to choose destinations that are open, stay updated on conditions and follow instructions from local authorities.Nepal is trying to rebuild while mourning an extraordinary loss of life. And as the country begins that difficult journey, it is making an unusual request to the world: come back when and where it is safe- because staying away altogether could make recovery even harder.
