Nepal’s tourism industry has suffered an estimated Rs 25 billion (about USD 190 million) in losses following the nationwide Gen-Z protests on September 8–9, which left several people dead, caused extensive property damage, and tarnished the country’s international image.
The unrest erupted just as the peak tourist season was about to begin. Arson, vandalism, and violence damaged key tourism infrastructure and led to a wave of cancellations by foreign visitors. The industry—still recovering from the 2015 earthquake, the trade blockade, and the COVID-19 pandemic—has again been shaken.
Despite the setback, tourism sector experts remain optimistic. Economist Dr. Samir Khatiwada noted that while some facilities were damaged and concerns persist over operations at Tribhuvan International Airport, “tourism remains a high-potential sector if the government promotes Nepal positively in the international community.”
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi said a draft revival plan is nearly complete after consultations with major industry stakeholders. “Tourism will definitely revive. Based on past experience and with support from international partners, Nepal’s tourism will recover soon,” he stated.
According to Joshi, around 15,000 foreign tourists are currently in Nepal, with priority given to ensuring their safety and smooth departures to avoid negative perceptions. The NTB is also assessing damage to hotels and related facilities.
Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) Chair Binayak Shah urged all stakeholders to unite behind the recovery effort. “As the tourist season begins, it is vital to send a positive message,” he said, recalling the sector’s rapid rebounds after previous disasters.
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter General Secretary Narendra Dev Bhatta echoed the optimism, expressing confidence that normalcy will return soon. The Mountaineering Association of Nepal and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) jointly appealed for a tourism-friendly environment and stronger law enforcement.
A preliminary HAN survey found major damage to about two dozen hotels across Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Jhapa, Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, Mahottari, and Dang Tulsipur. Several prominent domestic and international hotel brands were vandalized, looted, or set on fire. Kathmandu’s Hilton Hotel alone is estimated to have suffered losses exceeding Rs 8 billion.
Initial tallies place total tourism-sector losses from the two days of violence at more than Rs 25 billion. -- RSS
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