Kathmandu: The government’s decision to grant a two-day public holiday-Saturday and Sunday-each week starting April 1 is expected to promote domestic tourism. This new policy aims to operate offices and schools for five days a week, addressing the need to reduce fuel consumption amid the ongoing global fuel crisis.
According to National News Agency Nepal, a similar two-day weekend provision introduced previously had led to positive improvements. This time, tourism stakeholders believe the extended weekend will encourage individuals to engage in domestic travel, offering opportunities for one-night, two-day package trips, which could help revive the tourism industry.
Deepak Bhattarai, the outgoing Chair of the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, noted that if the two-day weekend continues, it is likely to benefit the tourism business. Vice-Chair Gunaraj Thapaliya also mentioned that since the international market remains closed on Sundays, there is a push for the government to maintain this provision permanently.
Tourism entrepreneurs are also hopeful for political stability, as the government holds a nearly two-thirds majority. Samesh Silwal, proprietor of Hotel Vista Chitwan, expressed confidence in the continuity of the two-day weekend policy, which he believes will boost domestic tourism.
Additionally, Prakash Neupane, General Manager of Banbas Resort Chitwan, recalled that a similar two-day holiday was introduced in the past by former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, though it was not sustained. The current policy is expected to invigorate the tourism industry while potentially reducing the state’s burden.
Tourists from regions such as Sauraha, Patihani, Meghauli, and Bharatpur frequently visit, adding to the optimism surrounding the impact of the two-day weekend.