Hoteliers said they were observing up to 25 percent rise in revenue from the beginning of this month and are hopeful of continuing the momentum next month as well. [break]
That is not all, most of the capital-based hotels and resorts have also reported 100 percent occupancy in most of the days till next month. Most of these hotels are hosting minimum of three global and regional conferences each in March and April.
“Our ARR has touched five-digit figures for the first time,” said Surendra C Thakuri, associate director-sales and marketing of Hotel Yak and Yeti. “Our occupancy in March and April will hover over 80 percent.”
Thakuri further added that the hotel was likely to post 10-12 percent rise in revenue in these two posts.
Likewise, Gokarna Forest Resort has reported 25 percent rise in revenue in March so far. Kaushal K Singh, director of the resort, said rise in the number of conference groups is the major reason behind revenue surge. “Conference groups are not just paying better room rates, they are also contributing in other sales, including food and beverage,” Singh added.
The resort has received bookings for 80 percent of rooms in March and 78 percent of rooms in April. “We hope to increase overall occupancy by 15-20 percent,” he added.
Though residential conference of Indian firms is not a new thing in Nepali hospitality industry, hoteliers said this is the first time that they are hosting conferences of other international groups.
“Increase in revenue is not just because of rise in tourist arrivals. Rising frequency of residential conferences in star hotels is the major reason behind revenue surge,” said Amir K Pradhananga of The Everest Hotel.
Karuna Manandhar, public relations executive of Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, said they were observing growth in terms of occupancy as well as revenue.
“Occupancy was growing for the past few months. But this month so far has been very encouraging in terms of revenue,” added Manandhar. She attributed rise in revenue to the impact of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign and improving image of Nepal in international market.
Related story
Revised interest rate corridor system introduced
