'Completely safe': Nepal urges tourists to return, assures safety; claims nation 'slowly recovering'

KATHMANDU: Fearful of a setback to the tourism industry, one of Nepal's economic mainstays, after the recent protests that roiled the country, citizens on social media platforms have appealed to tourists to visit Nepal and said that it is "completely safe for travellers, with the nation now slowly gathering itself".

Across its cities and business hubs, youth trooped into their social media accounts on Saturday to say that the agitation was "purely against the govt, without any intention of hurting tourists". The development came even as Nepal Tourism Board declared it would renew tourist visas free of cost if the documents had expired during the time of the protest - on Sept 8 and later.


One of the accounts on X, named 'Routine of Nepal Banda', with over one million followers, posted a photo of a few foreign tourists dancing to traditional Nepalese music. It said: "Appeal to tourists...Nepal back to normal. Please visit our beautiful country. Perfect reason to do so...We request people abroad to promote our tourism at this time."

Another citizen on his Instagram page wrote, "Nepal has always welcomed tourists with open arms. We might be poor with money but rich in love for our guests. No tourist will be bothered in our beautiful country, ever."

Many of the foreign tourists TOI met seemed undeterred. One of them, Luke Ziccardi, 29, from England, a parcel van driver for a logistics company back home, said he will continue with his stay in the country. "I landed in Kathmandu on Friday morning with a planned trip to Everest base camp before I turn 30 in November," he said.

Ziccardi added: "I was initially nervous regarding my visit after reading news on Nepal. Then I checked with my team-mates in Kathmandu about the situation and was told it was safe. Travel agents are operating normally. I have decided to keep my plans intact. Everest base camp has always been my dream."

A group of Indian tourists from Mumbai, who were visiting Pashupatinath mandir, said they have had no problems in "this beautiful and friendly neighbouring country".

Dr Gita Singh, a member of the group comprising doctors and lawyers, said, "We weren't bothered by anyone during our visits to popular tourist places after landing here on Sept 7. We are willing to come here again as we feel a people-to- people connection with Nepal."