Tourism entrepreneurs hopeful two-day weekend will promote domestic tourism

Chitwan, April 9: The government’s decision to grant a two-day public holiday—Saturday and Sunday—each week beginning April 1 is expected to promote domestic tourism.     

Previously, a similar two-day weekend provision introduced by the government for a short period had led to some positive improvements, it is said.     

This time, the government has decided to operate offices and schools for five days a week, aiming to reduce fuel consumption amid the global fuel crisis caused by international conflicts.     

The two-day weekend is expected to encourage working individuals to engage in domestic tourism, thereby contributing to the revival of the tourism industry. By utilizing this provision, people may opt for one-night, two-day package trips, according to stakeholders in the sector.     

According to the outgoing Chair of the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, Deepak Bhattarai, if this provision continues, it is likely to have a positive impact on the tourism business. Similarly, Vice-Chair Gunaraj Thapaliya stated that the international market also remains closed on Sundays, and they have been urging the government to implement the two-day weekend on a long-term basis.     

Additionally, tourism entrepreneurs are hopeful for political stability, as the government holds a nearly two-thirds majority.     

Samesh Silwal, proprietor of Hotel Vista Chitwan, expressed confidence that the two-day weekend policy will continue. He added that they are optimistic about the promotion of domestic tourism.     

Prakash Neupane, General Manager of Banbas Resort Chitwan, added that former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had also introduced a two-day holiday provision in the past, but it could not be sustained.     

The two-day weekend is likely to make the tourism industry more vibrant and may also reduce the state’s burden.     

Tourists from areas such as Sauraha, Patihani, Meghauli, and Bharatpur frequently visit the region.(RSS)