China has designated 2025 as “Visit Nepal Year in China,” aiming to bolster tourism from China to help Nepal achieve its goal of attracting 2 million foreign tourists annually by 2025, up from 1.1 million in 2023. Tourism is pivotal to Nepal’s economy, contributing nearly 8% to GDP and supporting over 1.2 million jobs. China has also invested in Nepal’s infrastructure, including the Pokhara International Airport, funded through a loan agreement. However, tensions with India over airspace access have hindered international flights to the airport, impacting tourism flow. Nepal’s tourism industry welcomed China’s initiative, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure, flight connectivity, and tourism services to capitalize on potential growth.