The recent anti -government rally and violent demonstrations in Nepal have caused a deep injury to the country’s tourism business. These performances started when the busiest season of tourism was about to begin. According to information received from the tourism department and hotel owners, this time the number of tourists has fallen by 30% compared to last year. A large number of bookings have also been canceled after the violence.
Shops, restaurants and pubs have been opened again in the streets of Thmail, the major tourist area of Kathmandu, but due to lack of tourists, there is silence. 72 people have died in anti -government violence and more than 2 thousand people were injured. Every year about 1.2 million tourists visit Nepal. Tourism contributes 8% of the country’s GDP.
8 to 10% bookings are also getting canceled
CEO Deepak Raj Joshi of Nepal Tourism Board said that the number of tourists has fallen by 30% and the rate of cancellation of booking has been 8-10% in the last few days. Damage to government buildings and some hotels can have a bad effect on both tourists and investors. Joshi said that we have to be honest about the situation. If the situation is not right, then we cannot call tourists and put them in danger.
Ram Chandra Giri organizes trekking and owns the Japanese restaurant. He said, ‘I am sitting empty because tourists are not coming, many groups have canceled their booking in September. My 35% of my customers have canceled the trip.
Travel warning of foreign governments
The Parliament House and the famous Hilton Hotel of Kathmandu have also been gutted during violent demonstrations. Foreign governments have issued travel advisory for their citizens. It has been advised to avoid visiting Nepal. This has shocked Nepal’s tourism.
The time from September to December is considered to be the busiest trekking season. Most people come here to trek the base camp of Mount Everest. Renu Bania, a hotel operator, said that all the bookings of the next month have been completely canceled.
Hope of peace after the new government comes
After the formation of the interim government under the leadership of Sushila Karki, peace is gradually returning to Nepal, but in many parts of Kathmandu, the debris of burnt vehicles and buildings is still being cleared and the smell of smoke spreads. Nepal tourism officers and businessmen are still hoping that tourists will return when the situation is normal. Elections for the new government are to be held on 5 March 2026.
