Foreign Tourists Dominate Safari Trips to Chitwan National Park in Nepal, Boosting their Tourism Growth and Supporting Local Economies with Sustainable Development

Published on December 7, 2025

Although mornings in Chitwan National Park are chilly, that doesn’t deter tourists from going on an exciting jeep safari through the rich park landscapes. During breakfast at Tigerland Safari–Lemon Tree Resort in Jagatpur, foreign tourists were prominent among the visitors who had gathered there to go on a safari. According to the resort’s Hotel Manager Lok Bahadur Kunwar, out of 45 guests staying at the resort that morning, only four were Nepali. Foreign tourists also dominate the most popular entry points of the park, such as Patihani and Kasara, although Nepali tourists have been increasing of late.

According to the park’s office, the majority of visitors to its western sector, which comprises Kasara, Meghauli, and Amaltari, are international tourists. However, overall, domestic tourists dominate the visits to the park. A total of 67,735 visitors visited the park from mid-July up to mid-October, with Sauraha in the eastern sector hosting the lion’s share of 60,073 visitors. This sector has become a key hub for tourism, with both domestic and international visitors flooding into the region to enjoy a range of safaris and eco-tourism activities.

Chitwan’s Tourism Growth: A Boost to the Local Economy

Chitwan’s tourism sector has been steadily growing, with western hotels in Kasara increasing in number over the years. Patihani’s Ghatgai, home to Narayani Safari Hotel since 1987, and Meghauli, where Nepal’s first jungle lodge, Tiger Tops, opened in 1964, have seen substantial growth in accommodation options. In the past 13 years, Kasara has grown from having three large-scale hotels to now boasting eight.

The increasing number of foreign visitors is a direct contributor to this growth. Ganesh Paudel, operator of Jungle Villa Resort, noted that Kasara’s hotels have been spaced 500 meters to 1 km apart, catering to travelers seeking quiet surroundings and natural landscapes. According to Narayani Safari, over 90 percent of its guests are foreign—primarily from Europe—underscoring the international appeal of the region.

The rise in foreign tourism has sparked substantial investment by both domestic and international hotel brands, making Chitwan National Park an increasingly prominent destination in Nepal’s tourism landscape. This investment not only boosts local businesses but also provides job opportunities in hospitality and eco-tourism services, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

Tourism’s Role in Promoting Sustainable Development

With an influx of visitors, tourism businesses in Chitwan are providing essential services like jeeps, boats, and nature guides for safaris, ensuring high-quality experiences for tourists. Choplal Pandey, vice-chair of the Kasara Tourism Business Committee, highlighted that this mix of services and the serene environment appeals to high-end foreign tourists, ensuring sustainable tourism growth in the area.

However, the tourism boom also brings challenges. Bishnuraj Mahato, ward chair of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-22, raised concerns that the growing popularity of weddings and events in the area might disrupt local settlements and the environment. This is a key challenge for Chitwan’s sustainable tourism development, as the balance between preserving the region’s natural beauty and supporting growing tourism demand becomes more difficult.

The collaboration between local communities, tourism operators, and government officials will be crucial in developing strategies that promote eco-friendly tourism while minimizing the environmental impact. Implementing sustainable practices and environmental protections will ensure that Chitwan National Park can continue to serve as a long-term destination for eco-tourism and wildlife conservation.

A Growing Focus on Conservation and Cultural Tourism

In addition to promoting nature-based tourism, Chitwan National Park also plays a significant role in preserving rare wildlife species such as rhinos, tigers, and gharial crocodiles. The increasing number of tourists visiting the park creates more opportunities to raise awareness about wildlife protection and conservation efforts. Tourists are often engaged in educational activities about species preservation and the importance of maintaining biodiversity in the region.

Another key aspect of Chitwan’s tourism growth is the promotion of cultural traditions, particularly those of the indigenous Tharu community, who have long lived in the park’s vicinity. The region’s unique blend of natural and cultural tourism attracts visitors interested in local heritage, making it an increasingly important destination for cultural exchanges and cross-community understanding.

Future Tourism Impact: Sustainable Growth and Diversified Offerings

As Chitwan National Park continues to grow as a prime tourist destination, the future impact on the region’s tourism industry will be significant. The increase in international visitors will likely encourage further investment in tourism infrastructure, enhancing the quality of services and experiences available to tourists.

The steady growth of eco-tourism, wildlife safaris, and cultural tourism can also help create more sustainable tourism experiences, ensuring the park’s long-term viability as a key tourism destination. The expansion of community-based tourism initiatives and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices will create lasting economic benefits for local communities, improve the environmental sustainability of tourism operations, and support the preservation of wildlife and cultural heritage.

The tourism impact will extend beyond just the economic benefits for local businesses. It will also encourage a broader focus on conservation and cultural preservation, allowing Nepal to showcase its natural and cultural wealth on the global tourism stage. The country’s commitment to sustainable tourism will ensure that Chitwan National Park remains an iconic and thriving destination for future generations of travelers.

Chitwan’s Tourism Growth as a Model for Sustainable Development

Chitwan National Park remains an exemplary model for Nepal and other destinations worldwide, given that it is able to attract foreign tourists without compromising its commitment to sustainability and wildlife conservation. The growth of the park reflected the positive impact of tourism on the local economy and defined the need for balanced natural preservation with economic development.

As Chitwan continues to evolve as a key destination, its tourism impact will help foster a sustainable future for the region by supporting local businesses, promoting environmental protection, and ensuring that Nepal’s cultural and natural treasures remain protected for generations to come.