Tourism sector suffers Rs 25 billion loss, but optimistic for quick recovery

Kathmandu, Sept 13:  The Gen-Z protests that took place on September 8 and 9 not only caused significant human losses and physical damage but has also negatively affected the country's international image and thereby the tourism sector. 

The major tourist season was about to begin when the protests and subsequent arson and violence. This has slowed down tourism with several tourist infrastructures damaged in the process.

As result, some percentage of the bookings by foreign tourists for the upcoming tourist season has been canceled. The tourism sector hit severely by the earthquake, blockade, and the Corona Virus epidemic was gradually returning to its old rhythm. But the latest setbacks have again shaken the tourism sector. 

However, experts and stakeholders still believe that the tourism sector will gradually become dynamic as the situation is not like that of past disasters.

Economist Dr Samir Khatiwada said that despite the damage to some tourism infrastructure the tourism sector is still an area with potential. Although there is a fear that some tourists will be discouraged due to problems at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the entry point for foreign tourists flying into the country, the government needs to promote it positively in the international community.

Likewise, Nepal Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deepak Raj Joshi shared that a draft plan has been prepared after discussing with leading organizations in the sector on how to make tourism revival effective and that it will be made public soon. "Tourism will definitely revive. Based on past experience and with the support of international organizations associated with tourism, Nepal's tourism will revive soon," CEO Joshi said.

According to him, there are currently around 15,000 foreign tourists in Nepal. Most of them are at their destinations, while some are waiting to return home after completing their tours. Priority has been given to tourists currently in Nepal so that no negative perception is formed. He said that the NTB has also taken forward the work of studying the damage caused to the hotel and tourism sector during the Gen-Z demonstration.

Meanwhile, Hotel Association Nepal Chair Binayak Shah stressed the need for all stakeholders to unite and advance the process of tourism revival. “As the tourist season is about to begin, it is important to send a positive message from Nepal,” he said. “The tourism sector had revived quickly even in past disasters."

An environment must be created to safely send tourists to their destinations in Nepal and to facilitate the return of those who are going back home. “Tourism is an important sector that can bring economic prosperity to the country, hence should be prioritized", he said.

General Secretary of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, Narendra Dev Bhatta, expressed confidence that Nepal's tourism will recover soon. "The adverse situation created during the tourist season has had a negative impact on tourism, but let's hope that normalcy will return soon and the tourism sector will recover." 

The Mountaineering Association of Nepal and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) have issued a joint statement, emphasizing that all efforts should be made to make to revive the tourism sector. They have appealed to create a tourism-friendly environment and ensuring law and order in the country.

Preliminary study by HAN shows that major damage has been caused to about two dozen hotels during the Gen-Z protests. The hotels in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Jhapa, Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, Mahottari, Dang Tulsipur faced the wrath of vandalism, arson, and looting that occurred in popular hotel establishments, including both domestic and foreign brands.

The Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu alone is estimated to have suffered losses of more than 8 billion rupees. Initial estimates show that the tourism sector has suffered economic losses worth more than 25 billion rupees in two days of violence that gripped the country, as part of the Gen-z protests against corruption and bad governance. (RSS)