POKHARA, Sept 18: The Gen-Z protests affected the tourism sector just at the start of the tourist season. With the protests came vandalism and arson in tourism infrastructure, causing significant physical and financial losses to the sector. Not only that, foreign tourists already in Nepal shortened their stays and hurriedly returned home due to the fear of the protests, adding further losses to tourism. Those planning to come have also started canceling their bookings.
Due to the protests, the tourism sector now appears almost deserted. With tourists leaving and incoming tourists being held back, the tourism sector is worried. Businesspersons are concerned that tourists planning to come to Nepal might divert elsewhere. The setback experienced at the beginning of the season has weakened the overall tourism sector. Businesspersons expressed regret, stating that the season is at risk of being wasted.
With the sector slowing down just when it should be thriving, discussions have begun on how to revive business. According to businesspersons, the only strong means to attract foreign tourists in the coming days is a promotion campaign. They believe it will be difficult to bring foreign tourists to Nepal without running such campaigns. Before starting a promotion campaign, the government should convey a message that tourists face no problems traveling in Nepal and that arrangements for peace and security are strong.
Bharatraj Parajuli, central member of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), said, “At this time, a negative message about Nepal is circulating in the international market. The government needs to counter that by conveying that it has maintained good governance, peace and security.” He added that once peace and security are ensured, the government should communicate that tourists will face no problems with travel, lodging, and food.
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“Nepal is not unsafe. Tourists have no problems moving around or with lodging and food. Tourism businesses are providing all necessary services, and this should be assured globally. That responsibility lies with the government. Only then should promotion activities be initiated,” he said.
According to Parajuli, attacks on chain hotels during the protests have sent negative messages internationally. “Tourism has suffered greatly this season. Bookings are being canceled rapidly. Even tourists planning to arrive have been stopped,” he said.
He added that despite the difficult situation, tourism operators have served tourists, so tourists need not be alarmed. However, the government must send a message that peace and security are there. “If a message credible to foreign tourists is conveyed, tourists will start arriving after some time. Businesspersons will promote tourism, but more importantly, the government must establish a trustworthy environment of peace and security,” he said.
Parajuli said that only a very small number of hotels and restaurants were unable to provide service. However, that message has spread widely. Tourists have not faced any hardship. “About 99 percent of businesses are still serving tourists and can continue to do so. But tourists will only trust the country once the government ensures peace and security. Currently, tourists are affected mainly due to the security situation,” he said, “The tourism sector serves tourists with utmost care. We are always ready for tourists’ comfort and happiness. The government should similarly ensure superior arrangements for peace and security for the people.”
“Once the government conveys that peace and security are strong, we tourism businesspersons will engage in promotion,” he said. He added that promotion campaigns should target Bangladesh, India, and China to attract tourists. According to Parajuli, Nepal should also be promoted abroad through embassies and foreign media.
Maniraj Lamichhane, head of the Pokhara Tourism Board, also said that promotion campaigns are essential for tourism promotion.
According to Lamichhane, most foreign tourists entering Nepal are Indians. Recently, a significant number of Bangladeshi tourists have also started coming to Nepal, so businesspersons recommended including Bangladesh in promotion campaigns.
“Currently, infrastructure is not necessary. The focus should be on promotion. Therefore, there is debate that the budget priority should be promotion over infrastructure,” he said, “If we succeed in attracting enough foreign tourists through promotion, everyone will benefit.”
