KATHMANDU: Over the past decade, there has been a notable surge in individuals pursuing training and education within various sectors of the tourism industry, particularly in trekking-related activities. This increase is evident in fields such as mountain climbing, trekking, hotel management, and local guide services.

From the fiscal year 2070/71 to 2079/80, the number of individuals undertaking education and training in tourism-related areas—including hotel management, mountain climbing, trekking guide, homestay management, and porter guide—has reached 25,686. This marks a significant rise from the 2,784 individuals recorded in the fiscal year 2070/71.

The 'Nepal Tourist Statistics-2023' report, published by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, attributes this upward trend in training to the growth in the number of tourists.

Key institutions such as the Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management Foundation (NATHAM) and the Nepal Mountain Academy, operating under the Ministry of Tourism, have been pivotal in offering training and education programs, particularly in hotel management and mountain climbing/trekking guide.

Despite a temporary decline observed during the earthquake year (fiscal year 2072/73) and the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a general upward trajectory in training. Notably, since fiscal year 2076/77, there was a slight decline in training enrollment because of the pandemic, although fiscal year 2079/80 witnessed a resurgence, with 2,692 individuals undertaking training across various tourism-related domains.

The resurgence in training participation in fiscal year 2079/80 is attributed to the gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the subsequent uptick in tourism activities. Various training programs covering aspects such as homestay management, food safety, travel and tourism management, culinary skills, guide services, and adventure tourism have seen increased enrollment.

Notably, trekking guide training remains the most sought-after program, reflecting the continued popularity of trekking and tourism in Nepal.

With holidays and sightseeing attracting 62.50% of tourists and trekking drawing 15.20% of visitors, the demand for skilled professionals in these areas is expected to persist, further driving training and education initiatives in the tourism sector.