Tourism sector suffers Rs 25 billion loss

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.