"Even the outsiders are desperately trying to help us. But we won't let them. We are leading our country to ruins," the tourism entrepreneur I was talking to, visibly under the spell of deep rage and cynicism, erupted. He couldn't help making a reference to the story about Nepal being a nation cursed by Sati. From his perspective, the situation couldn't be any worse.We were chatting about the impact of the earthquake on tourism. More than four months after the April 25 quake, I wanted to know how businesses were coping, what efforts were being made to get back on track, what innovations emerging in the sector and, more importantly, if there have been any initiatives from the government.
It's in the nature of calamities that they take us by surprise and overwhelm us. But the quake was not a surprise. There were talks of the 'next big one' in Kathmandu for many years. Scientists had pointed out long ago that the seismic activities in the Himalayan zone indicated a major earthquake was due, anytime. According to history also, there is a proven record of one big earthquake every 100 years, approximately, in this area. The previous one had hit Kathmandu 80 years ago. By all indications, it was due.
Even so, when it really hit, preparations were not in place. Initial shock and fear brought chaos all over. But soon after, people gathered themselves. Volunteers sprung into action. Government responded; its machineries were deployed. The world also stepped in to help.
After the initial phase of rescue and relief, talk of reconstruction dominated all national debates. The international conference for reconstruction, held in Kathmandu, was declared a success. Government presented an assessment of the damage and a future plan. Things, we were promised, would move on war footing and an autonomous authority dedicated for reconstruction would be created. Huge amount of aid was promised by friendly governments and international organizations amid skepticism and concerns over corruption.
The private sector, especially the tourism sector which was the most affected, had tried to resume business quickly. There was a concerted effort to let the world know Nepal is safe for tourists. Hotels are in order. Trekking routes are safe. The country has some of the greatest opportunities for adventure. And it is beautiful and welcoming as ever.
The effort was backed by the tourism board, media, general public in social media, international organizations and other 'friends of Nepal'. Brand ambassadors spread the message. And the bookings started showing soon that the effort is paying off.
Putting things in broader perspective, it can be said with certainty that after the earthquake the country was really united for some time. A newfound sense of purpose at overcoming the challenge was visible. Even politicians took the clue and the long stuck task of drafting the constitution moved forward.
But the good things were not to last long. The effects of the decade-long insurgency, which had stalled the growth of an infant democracy, are far from buried. As the constitution making progressed to difficult issues, mainly the issues of identity of different ethnicities and drawing state borders, fault lines started appearing. The sense of purpose and unity seen post-quake was the first casualty. Reconstruction receded in priority. Politics engulfed everything, once again.
At this moment, the country seems to have drifted into another whirlpool of clash and conflict. There have been riots, killings and curfews. More than half the country has remained shut for days. Signs of further unrest ahead are visible.
In short, everything that is bad for tourism is happening. All the effort made by the sector seems undermined by politics once again. It's a nightmare for the economy. It is the worst that could happen in such a desperate time.
Despite messy politics, and overwhelming situation, efforts from the tourism sector to stand back on its feet continue. Tour operators have offered discounts, launched campaigns to gather attention and pleaded for help. 'Thanks for the aid. Now, we need tourists,' was the cry. Even now, a huge effort is underway to highlight the reasons to visit Nepal.
On August 31, the National Tourism Promotion Committee (NTPC) launched a new campaign with a new logo. The slogan of the campaign reads—'Nepal, back on top of the world.' Through this campaign, according to the official website, the NTPC and other stakeholders in the tourism industry wish to convey that Nepal is safe for visitors and there is just as much to see and do in Nepal as before.
And they are right. Most of the adventure activities are on. Trekking routes are intact. Formidable mountains are ready with new challenges for anyone who dares. Cultural monuments are being renovated. Even during the recent protests in parts of the country, the major tourist attractions were not affected. But, like the entrepreneur I chatted with seemed to believe, just setting things right at their end is not enough.
"All over social media, we see—Tourists please come to Nepal," the author of the book Unleashing Nepal, Sujeev Shakya, recently tweeted, "But the tourists say—Call us when Nepal is not closed!" Nothing sums up the current predicament of the tourism sector better. Until the time the politicians resolve the crisis, uncertainty looms. All the positive impact of promotion of 'brand Nepal' and bring in tourists can be washed away by one wave of news about conflict and violence.
'Just tell them, the politicians, that enough is enough.' The entrepreneur ended his talk. 'We are trying our best to get things back to normal. They should not hold us back.'
dinkar.nepal@yahoo.com
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