Nepal’s hotel and tourism sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past year, fueled by increasing domestic and foreign investments—particularly from Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs). The expansion reflects the country’s growing appeal as a destination for both regional and international travelers.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, the number of deluxe and star-rated hotels reached 214 by mid-March 2025 (Falgun 2081), an 18% rise from 182 in the previous year. The growth is also evident in the proliferation of tourist-standard hotels, lodges, and boutique resorts across the country.
The number of non-star tourist-class hotels and lodges increased from 1,234 to 1,364 in the same period. Star-rated hotels added 3,270 new beds, reaching a total capacity of 20,343, while non-star accommodations contributed 5,002 beds, raising their total to 42,299.
The gaming sector also expanded, with three new casinos added, bringing the total number of operational casinos to 29, including machine-only gaming venues.
Additionally, the ministry recorded the registration of 4,963 travel agencies, 3,252 trekking agencies, and 97 rafting companies. Supporting this infrastructure are 155 tourist transport services, 5,269 tour guides, 27,128 trekking guides, and 425 river guides now officially registered.
In terms of human resource development, the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) has trained 28,233 tourism professionals to date, further strengthening the industry’s capacity.
These developments underscore Nepal’s growing tourism infrastructure and its increasing readiness to position itself as a competitive destination in the global tourism market.
