Here is good news for Nepali tourism industry.
TripAdvisor, world’s largest travel site, has listed Kathmandu in the list of 25 destinations in its ‘Travelers’ Choice Destinations 2015′ list. The site has placed Kathmandu 19th position.
TripAdvisor has determined the top 25 destinations using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
“Nepal’s capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages,” TripAdvisor has written about Kathmandu. It has also suggested to tourists to visit Durbar Square’s monuments, enjoy mountain trekking, and explore Thamel area and shops for exquisite work by local artisans.
Kathmandu is the only South Asian city in the list.
“It is indeed a matter of pride for us and an achievement for the tourism industry that Kathmandu has been listed as top 19th destination in TripAdvisor’s list. This will definitely help in promoting our country,” Bhola Bickram Thapa, managing director of President Group of Companies, said. “But we have to be able to cash in on this achievement.”
Travel trade entrepreneurs said that Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) should join hands with private sector to promote Kathmandu. They also urged the government appoint CEO at NTB at the earliest and strengthen national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC).
Marrakech (Morocco) is at the top of the list, climbing five steps compared to last year. Similarly, Siem Reap (Cambodia), Istanbul (Turkey), Hanoi (Vietnam), Prague (Czech Republic), London (England), Rome (Italy) Buenos Aires (Argentina), Paris (France), Cape Town (South Africa), New York (United States), Zermatt (Switzerland), Barcelona (Spain), Goreme (Turkey), Ubud (Indonesia), Cuso (Peru), St. Petersburg (Russia), Bangkok (Thailand), Athens (Greece), Budapest (Hungary), Queenstown (New Zealand), Hong Kong, Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Sydney (Australia).
“These world-class destinations chosen by our community are rich in history, culture and beauty and offer endless sights to explore,” Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor, said in the statement. “To help travelers discover these cities, TripAdvisor has surfaced value hotel options that can be booked from the site, along with fantastic places to eat and play.”
TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 315 million unique monthly visitors as of December 2014. The website has more than 200 million reviews and opinions covering more than 4.5 million accommodations, restaurants and tourist attractions.
If this doesn’t tempt you to visit Kathmandu, Nepal then we wonder, what will? And, if visiting Kathmandu is on your things-to-do list or bucket list then, well, you can read our blog on getting around Kathmandu.
