Nepal is facing a massive recovery challenge after devastating floods and landslides killed hundreds and left thousands missing. Yet, the country is asking international tourists not to completely cancel their travel plans.
Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel has appealed to travellers to continue visiting Nepal, saying tourism can provide important support to the country during this difficult period.
Nepal Says It Is Still Open For Tourists
In a video message shared on Facebook, Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel urged international travellers not to turn away from Nepal.
He said the country’s mountain trails and trekking routes are still waiting for visitors.
The minister also used the hashtag #NepalCalling, highlighting the importance of tourism at a time when the country is dealing with the impact of the disaster.
Why Nepal Wants Tourists To Keep Coming
The tourism industry is an important part of Nepal’s economy.
The minister said that visiting Nepal now would mean more than simply taking a holiday. According to him, tourist arrivals can also provide support to a country dealing with a major natural disaster.
The appeal comes at a difficult economic time for Nepal, which is already facing weaker tourism, slower growth and higher fuel costs linked to the Iran war.
Floods Have Caused Massive Destruction
The disaster was triggered by a glacial collapse that sent huge amounts of ice, mud, rocks and water through a valley.
Entire settlements were affected as powerful flows destroyed buildings, bridges, power lines and other infrastructure.
Videos from the affected areas showed people trying to escape as water and debris moved through communities.
Death Toll Has Crossed 1,000
The scale of the disaster has continued to become clearer as rescue teams gain access to affected areas.
According to the reported figures, at least 1,010 people had died by Tuesday afternoon, while around 590 foreigners from 39 countries remained missing.
Rescue operations are still continuing across several affected areas.
Thousands Have Already Been Rescued
Emergency teams have been using helicopters and other aircraft to reach communities cut off by destroyed roads and bridges.
So far, around 11,993 people have been rescued in Nepal.
Specialist teams from Nepal, India, China and South Korea are also helping with rescue operations at affected hydropower projects.
Workers Still Trapped Inside Tunnels
One of the biggest rescue challenges involves hydropower projects where hundreds of workers remain trapped inside tunnels.
Nepal’s Home Minister Sudan Gurung said rescuers had reached the upper section of one tunnel and were attempting to dig down from above the powerhouse.
He said authorities had not lost hope of finding survivors.
Hydropower Projects Also Damaged
The floods have caused serious damage to Nepal’s infrastructure.
At least 12 hydropower projects in the Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts were damaged, according to the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal.
The destruction is expected to create a major challenge for the country during the reconstruction process.
Nepal Expects International Support
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the full scale of the destruction was becoming clearer as access to affected areas improved.
The ministry said the country expects substantial international support for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
It also described the disaster as an exceptionally painful and difficult period for Nepal.
What This Means For Travellers
Nepal’s tourism appeal comes even as the country continues to assess the damage caused by the floods.
The reported disaster has affected several areas, while the government is saying that tourism should continue where routes and destinations remain accessible.
Travellers, however, would need to check the latest local conditions, transport access and safety information before visiting affected regions.
Why Tourism Matters For Nepal
For Nepal, tourism is not only about attracting visitors. It is also an important source of economic activity and support for communities connected to the travel industry.
The government’s appeal suggests that keeping tourism activity alive could help the country during the long recovery period.
At the same time, the situation remains serious, with rescue and reconstruction efforts continuing.
Conclusion
Nepal is facing one of its most difficult periods after devastating floods and landslides caused widespread destruction and a major loss of life.
Despite this, the country’s tourism minister is asking international travellers not to abandon Nepal completely.
His message is that visiting safe and accessible parts of the country can provide economic support while Nepal works to recover from the disaster.
FAQ
Why is Nepal asking tourists to visit after the floods?
Nepal’s Tourism Minister says tourist visits can provide economic support to the country during the recovery from the disaster.
How many people have died in the floods?
The reported death toll had reached at least 1,010 by Tuesday afternoon.
Are tourists still being encouraged to visit Nepal?
Yes. The Tourism Minister has appealed to international travellers to continue visiting Nepal, particularly where travel routes remain accessible and safe.
How many people have been rescued?
Around 11,993 people have been rescued so far, according to the reported figures.
Are foreigners among those missing?
Yes. Nepal’s foreign ministry reported that around 590 foreigners from 39 countries remained missing.