Pokhara based hoteliers say firstly they are uncertain whether there will be bookings by potential vistors between October and December because it coincides with the Constituent Assembly elections. [break]Secondly they say they are concerned about possible strikes in the run up to the elections which could lead to cancellation of whatever bookings they have and eventually ruin the country´s image.
President of Paschimanchal Hotel Association Pokhara Biplab Paudel said, “Because of the scheduled election we are not yet confident that the period between October to December will have a good business.” He said there was no point to be confident about of booking either.
Paudel said foreign based tour operators might stop tourists from coming to Nepal citing instable political situation. “Foreign tour operators send tourist only after closely monitoring the situation,” he said.
Sales Manager at Pokhara Grande Kamal Sherchan said, “We have received booking of 90 percent for the upcoming season but we are really not sure if all who placed bookings will arrive.” Sherchan said if bandha and strikes continue to happen like last month, tourist arrivals will be very low despite the season.
Entrepreneurs are also worried about possible travel advisory from some countries during that period citing security of their nationals.
Board member of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Tikaram Sapkota said entrepreneurs were estimating the tourist arrivals to decline by 20 percent compared to same period last year because of political instability.
"We are skeptical regarding normal business for upcoming season," he said. Sapkota said attacks on tourist vehicles during stike sent out a very negative message. "Election is essential but it should be conducted in such a manner that it doesn´t hamper tourism," added he.
Declare hotel premises ´strike free zone´: HAN
Hoteliers have asked the government to implement the decisions and suggestions of the committee formed to recognize hotel industry as the national priority industry.
Sumbitting a memorandum to Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai on Tuesday, officials of Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) also requested the government to rollback its decision of relocating hotels and resorts operating inside the Chitwan National Park.
The hoteliers asked the PM to take the initiative in expediting the appointment of chief executive officer at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). "The hotel industry is suffering because of labor unrest and mistreatment of guests and hotel officials by the workers. We request the government to declare hotel premises a strike free zone," a statement issued by HAN quoted HAN officials as saying in the meeting.
HAN delegation led by president Shyam Sundar Lal Kakshpati had hoteliers Prakash Shrestha, Binod Shankar Shrestha, Srijana Rana and executive director of HAN Madhab Om Shrestha.
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