China, which ranked fourth in 2003, improved its position to occupy the third rank just behind Egypt. The other destinations among the top 10 include India, Italy, Chile, Costa Rica, France and Alaska of the United States, according to a list released by iExplore.com.
The ranking has been determined on the basis of vacation packages purchased under iExplore.com, the Chicago-based tourism company's adventure and experimental traveler's programs.
Nepal has dropped 17 places down from the top 10 world tourist and travel destinations list compiled for 2004 by a leading international travel and tourism company.
Due to the escalating anti-government insurgency, Nepal's ranking as a tourist destination dropped from 10 in 2003 to 27 in 2004, according to the list released by iExplore.com.
Nepal has been a traditional top 10 adventure destination for several successive years.
According to the company, tourist traffic to Nepal has declined because of the fighting between the anti-government guerrillas and government forces.
(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2005)
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