Transport strike, a blow to tourism sector: Entrepreneurs

Kathmandu, June 4: The strikes of the public transport operators in the name of ‘rescuing public transport’ from the ‘ride-hailing’ business following Gandaki government’s introduction of ride-hailing regulation on May 15 and Bagmati’s intention to promulgate similar policy has severely impacted the public movement across the country.

It greatly frustrated the tourists – both domestic and foreign – who had been to various destinations in Nepal. 

The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) said that the situation has had an adverse impact on the tourism sector of Nepal. 

“Such incidents not only cause inconvenience to the foreign tourists travelling in Nepal but also domestic tourists, forcing them to postpone or cancel their tours. This could lead to a serious long-term decline in the international tourist influx into Nepal,” NATTA said in a statement. 

It expressed serious concerns to the obstructions to public transport seen in Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal, and other key tourist destinations. 

Likewise, Suman Ghimire, Past President of Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, said that both the tourists and hospitality businesses were impacted by the transportation strikes. 

“Some tourists cancelled their trip to Sauraha and other destinations due to the ongoing strike of transport businesses. Hotels that don’t have green-plate (tourist carrying) vehicles had to suffer additional problems,” he said. 

According to the hotel entrepreneurs of Kathmandu, if the protests sustained, international tourists would cancel their visits to Nepal. 

Nepal Business Summit, organised by Nepal Chamber of Commerce with other institutions, scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu on Monday was postponed due to the strikes. 

President of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Binayak Shah said that the tourists travelling without having prior reservations were greatly affected as there would be no one to take them to the hotels and other destinations. 

There are more than 8,000 tourist vehicles including buses, micro-buses, vans, jeeps and cars. But only 250 buses offer passenger services to the regular routes while other run on reserve and provide point to point service. 

Since such buses don’t run regularly on destinations other than Pokhara and Chitwan, tourists in those locations experienced greater hassles, said Krishna Acharya, President of Tourist Bus Association of Nepal. 

According to him, more than 100 buses were in operation along the Pokhara and Chiwan routes from Kathmandu. Initially, they had to face problem in Damauli of Tanahun but the police helped to run the buses safely. 

“We have never ceased our service even during the emergency period. So, the government should provide security to us proactively,” he said.

Acharya and all tourism entrepreneurs are worried that while the tourism activities have just reached to the situation of pre-COVID scenario, the strikes and disturbances would send negative messages to the prospective tourists.

Talks remain inconclusive 

What is more worrisome is the protests and strikes are announced against the decision to legalise the ride-sharing businesses by the provincial government. 

The talks between the struggling entrepreneurs and government on Tuesday concluded inconclusive. It means the struggle would continue on Wednesday as well. Chairman of the struggle committee Bijaya Bahadur Swar issued a statement on Tuesday that the protests will persist until a resolution is reached. 

Stating that there have been no formal discussion between the struggling transport businesspeople and the government, he announced that the protest programmes would continue until their demands are met.

“We urge all transport operators, self-employed individuals, and transport workers to continue these protests peacefully and in an organised manner,” read the statement by the struggle committee. 

Gandaki provincial government said that the steps to leagalise the ride-hailing businesses have been taken to ensure safety and security in the business and bring it in the tax-net. Additionally, the Supreme Court had already issued directives to the governments at the federal and provincial level to regulate these businesses with proper policy guidelines. 

However, the public transport service operators have cited the federal Motor Vehicle and Transport Management Act to make a point that it’s illegal to use private vehicles to run on rental service or carry passengers. 

Free shuttle service for tourists Meanwhile, Nepal Tourism Board has launched a free shuttle bus service jointly with the NATTA for the convenience of tourists. It is offering a complimentary transport for tourists arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport, from the airport’s arrival area to major hotels in Kathmandu.

The NTB also said that such convenient, organised, and tourist-friendly services will continue to be expanded in the coming days. 

The Nepal Police is also operating free bus service for the tourists and passengers. 

General Secretary of NATTA, Yubika Bhandari, urged in the statement that in such an uncomfortable situation with transport obstructions, the Nepal government, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the local administration, and local bodies are urged to find immediate solutions.

NATTA urged the stakeholders to adopt a long-term strategic approach to operate the transport sector smoothly and safely.