Two years ago, the scenic mountainous landscape of Nepal was destroyed by a severe earthquake.
It killed 9,000 people and damaged more than 800 monuments with its powerful force.
The tragedy significantly impacted Nepal’s tourism industry, with many visitors suddenly too fearful to go.
Tourism, which accounts for four per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), wasn’t the only industry to suffer.
The effects of the earthquake drove the net loss of Nepal’s economy to a staggering seven trillion dollars.
But the nation has soared back with traveller numbers seen before the 7.8-magnitude quake, and then some.
Pre-earthquake in 2014, 800,000 tourists visited Nepal.
Fast-forward to 2017 and there are more holiday bookings than the same time three years ago.
Michael Edwards, Intrepid Travel’s regional director for the UK and Europe, told Travel Weekly: “Nepal is outstripping growth because of the awareness raised.
“We have put extra resources into promoting the country, but the response from customers has been amazing.”
Intrepid bookings for Nepal have skyrocketed by 70 per cent worldwide compared to last year.
G Adventures reported a 62 per cent increase in bookings in the same timeframe.
The ecotourism travel provider has seen numbers exceed those seen in 2014.
