Kathmandu: The start of the main tourist season this year has dealt a severe blow to Nepal's tourism sector. Despite the period from September to November typically being peak season, a significant drop in tourist arrivals right at the beginning has worried travel agencies, trekking companies, and especially hotel entrepreneurs.
According to data from the Nepal Tourism Board, the arrival of foreign tourists in September has fallen by 18.3% compared to the previous year. Last September saw over 96,000 tourists, a number that has shrunk to just over 78,000 this year.
Silence in Hotels: Major tourist destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Bhairahawa are severely feeling the pinch. According to Om Prakash Pandey, President of the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, the number of tourists in Chitwan hotels has dropped by 70% compared to last year. Similarly, Laxman Subedi, President of the Hotel Association Nepal Pokhara, stated that while Pokhara hotels used to be over 80% occupied immediately after Dashain, this year, the occupancy has been limited to 25%. Hotel entrepreneurs report that even star-rated hotels across the country are operating at only 35-40% occupancy.
Reasons for Tourist 'Diversion': Tourism entrepreneurs have primarily pointed to three reasons for this disappointing situation:
Gen Z Movement: The Gen Z movement that occurred at the beginning of the tourist season led to security concerns and incidents of hotel vandalism in some places. This has sent a negative signal to the international market. Consequently, foreign tourists, particularly those from India, have been diverted towards India.
Poor Road Conditions: Major roads across the country were blocked due to heavy rains, and the subsequent issue of landslides right after Dashain has significantly hampered both domestic and foreign tourist movement.
Safety Concerns for Foreigners: The Gen Z movement and other recent events have caused tourists to feel less secure in Nepal, directly impacting the tourism business, as highlighted by CP Shrestha, President of the Regional Siddhartha Hotel Association.
This major setback at the start of the season has put a question mark over the livelihoods of thousands of entrepreneurs and workers dependent on the hotel, travel, and trekking industries. Immediate coordination and effective initiatives from both the government and the private sector are deemed essential for the recovery of the tourism sector.
