Data from the Department of Immigration reveals that approximately 200,000 Nepali citizens travel internationally for tourism and religious purposes annually. Industry experts note that the Dashain festival serves as the peak period for these departures. While Thailand has historically been the primary destination for Nepali travelers, the United Arab Emirates is gaining popularity as a preferred alternative. The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) has expressed significant concerns regarding Thailand's visa application procedures. The association argues that current requirements, which mandate non-refundable flight and hotel bookings prior to visa approval, impose substantial financial risks on both travelers and local agencies. Consequently, NATTA has indicated a potential boycott of Thai travel packages unless these procedural issues are addressed to mitigate the economic burden on Nepali tourists.
Source : Online Khabar
Photo : Online Khabar
