Nepal's hospitality and tourism industry is not just one of its fastest-growing sectors—it is the beating heart of the country's economic, cultural, and global identity.
International Tourists
GDP Contribution
Jobs Supported
Nepal is sandwiched between two of the world's largest and fastest-growing outbound tourism markets—India and China, accounting for over 43% of global tourist growth.
5 million+ potential middle-class travelers interested in pilgrimage, nature, and adventure.
High-spending segment driven by spiritual and experiential tourism.
Gautam Buddha International Airport (Lumbini) & Pokhara International Airport are game changers.
Despite increasing tourist flow, Nepal faces a significant shortage in hospitality infrastructure, particularly:
| Destination | Hotel Room Deficit |
|---|---|
| Pokhara | 5,000 rooms |
| Lumbini | 2,500 rooms |
| Chitwan | 1,800 rooms |
| Mustang & Dolpo | 1,200 rooms |
While international tourism is important, Nepal's domestic travel boom is a lucrative segment on its own:
Due to low construction cost and high occupancy rates, ROI in Nepal's hospitality sector ranges from 12% to 18% annually, higher in boutique and eco-tourism models.
| Investment Type | Average ROI |
|---|---|
| Boutique Hotel (Kathmandu/Pokhara) | 15–17% |
| Eco-lodge (Annapurna/Chitwan) | 16–20% |
| Wellness Resort (Lumbini/Helambu) | 12–14% |
| Budget Chain Hotel (Tier 2 cities) | 13–16% |
The Nepali travel market is rapidly digitizing:
Toornepal.com, MyHolidayNepal, HoneyGuide, BookMandu
Custom booking systems, OTA startups, app-based solutions
Opportunity: Investors in hospitality tech, hotel software, or experiential travel apps can build a monopoly in underdeveloped verticals.
Started as 10-room hotel, now a diversified resort group with 3 properties.
Revenue CAGR
Ultra-luxury resort targeting high-value safari and jungle experience seekers.
Per Night Rate