By Madhusudhan Timalsina, Kavrepalanchowk, Mar. 11: The global outbreak of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, has affected the hotel business of Kavrepalanchowk as well.

According to hoteliers, the foreigners are cancelling their bookings citing the COVID-19 outbreak. The reduction in domestic and foreign tourists has created silence here.

“Tourists are cancelling their bookings. With government’s request, mass gathering have also been postponed following which the hotels are not being booked for conference as well,” said Prem Kantha Shrestha, chairman of the Regional Hotel Association of Nepal and managing director of Dhulikhel Lodge Resort.

According to Shrestha, the virus has resulted in more loss than that faced during the 2015 devastating earthquake. Hoteliers have also demanded the government should provide them compensation.

“We have taken millions in loan from banks. If the government does not give us compensation in time like recent ones, we will go bankrupt,” said Shrestha.

Along with hotels, the virus has also affected the business of homestays in the areas of Patlekhet, Panauti and Fulbari of Kavre, among others.

“Three groups were coming from Taiwan but they cancelled their bookings. Domestic tourists are also not coming. The entire sector has been affected,” Keshav Badal, chairman of Homestay Association of Nepal, said.