Kathmandu: The Gen-Z protests that took place on September 8 and 9 have not only caused significant human losses and physical damage but have also negatively affected the country’s international image, impacting the tourism sector.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the major tourist season was about to begin when the protests and subsequent arson and violence occurred. This has slowed down tourism with several tourist infrastructures damaged in the process. As a result, a portion of the bookings by foreign tourists for the upcoming tourist season has been canceled. The tourism sector, already hit severely by the earthquake, blockade, and the Coronavirus 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 commented that despite the damage to some tourism infrastructure, the sector remains an area with potential. Although there is concern that some tourists might be discouraged due to issues 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.
Nepal Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deepak Raj Joshi shared that a draft plan has been prepared after discussions with leading organizations in the sector on how to make tourism revival effective, which 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.
Currently, there are around 15,000 foreign tourists in Nepal. Most are at their destinations, while some are waiting to return home after completing their tours. Priority has been given to tourists currently in Nepal to ensure no negative perception is formed. The NTB is also studying the damage caused to the hotel and tourism sector during the Gen-Z demonstration.
Hotel Association Nepal Chair Binayak Shah emphasized the need for all stakeholders to unite and push forward the process of tourism revival. He highlighted the importance of sending a positive message from Nepal as the tourist season is about to begin. “The tourism sector had revived quickly even in past disasters,” he noted. An environment must be created to safely send tourists to their destinations in Nepal and facilitate the return of those 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. He acknowledged the negative impact of the adverse situation created during the tourist season but remained hopeful for a quick recovery.
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 revive the tourism sector. They have appealed for the creation of a tourism-friendly environment and ensuring law and order in the country.
A preliminary study by HAN indicates that major damage has been caused to about two dozen hotels during the Gen-Z protests. Hotels in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Jhapa, Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, Mahottari, and Dang Tulsipur faced vandalism, arson, and looting. The Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu alone is estimated to have suffered losses of more than 8 billion rupees. Initial estimates suggest that the tourism sector has incurred economic losses worth more than 25 billion rupees in the two days of violence that gripped the country, as part of the Gen-Z protests against corruption and bad governance.