Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in tourism, particularly from India and third countries, after a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the influx of visitors, local businesses and tourism officials are grappling with challenges such as short-stay tourism and infrastructure issues.

A Surge in Indian Tourists

The recent boost in tourism can be attributed in part to the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lumbini two years ago. According to the Lumbini Development Fund, the number of Indian tourists visiting Lumbini has steadily increased, reaching 266,510 in 2023, compared to 230,863 in 2022 and 37,206 in 2020. Rajan Basnet, information officer of the Lumbini Development Fund, noted that Modi's visit significantly helped promote Lumbini in India, branding it as a must-visit pilgrimage site.

Rise in Third-Country Tourists

In addition to Indian tourists, Lumbini has also seen a surge in visitors from third countries. The number of tourists from countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar has tripled in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 76,210. Most of these tourists are from Vietnam, Germany, France, China, Russia, Spain, Thailand, the UK, and the US.

Domestic Tourism Shows Signs of Recovery

Domestic tourism, which had come to a near standstill during the peak of the pandemic, has also shown signs of recovery. The number of domestic tourists visiting Lumbini increased from 201,003 in 2020 to 656,218 in 2023, according to the Lumbini Development Fund. However, Basnet expressed concerns that the increase in domestic tourism has not met expectations, partly due to ongoing infrastructure projects and road conditions.

Despite the increase in tourist numbers, local businesses and tourism officials face several challenges. One of the major issues is the short-stay nature of tourism, particularly among Indian visitors who often return on the same day. Gobind Gyawali, President of the Lumbini Hotel Association of Nepal, emphasized the need to extend tourists' stays and promote other Buddhist destinations in the region, such as Tilaurakot and Kapilvastu.

While the resurgence of tourism in Lumbini is a positive sign for the region's economy and cultural heritage, addressing the challenges of short-stay tourism and infrastructure issues will be crucial for sustaining long-term growth. As Lumbini continues to attract visitors from around the world, concerted efforts by stakeholders will be essential to ensure a memorable and enriching experience for tourists while maximizing the economic benefits for the local community.