Asian tourists pouring into Nepal

Rising income levels and better air connectivity has seen the number of Asian travellers to Nepal boom in recent years.

Last year, travellers from East Asia accounted for 26.5% of the total tourist arrivals in Nepal according to the World Bank South Asia Economic Update 2010.

Statistics from the Nepal Tourism Board has also revealed the soaring number of Chinese arrivals, up 185.97% in the last three years.

Arrival increases have also been seen from South Korea (up 68.40%), Singapore (164.26%), Thailand (83.48%) and Malaysia (46.32%).

According to travel trade analysts, rising income levels and a desire to visit the birthplace of the Buddha is driving the Asia arrivals, Kathmandu Post reported.

Easier access into Nepal is also a factor, with four Chinese airlines currently operating flights into the landlocked country.