Tourism season hit by Middle East crisis as conflict and fuel shortage take toll

POKHARA, March 18: Nepal’s peak tourist season has just begun, with the next three months considered the most crucial period for the industry. This is typically when foreign visitors arrive for trekking and adventure activities, often booking hotels months in advance.

However, this year, Nepal’s tourism sector is facing a dual crisis—fewer visitors and a looming fuel shortage—both largely triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

According to tourism entrepreneurs, the ongoing conflict in the region has disrupted travel routes, preventing many visitors from reaching Nepal. Some tourists have been stranded mid-journey, while others have postponed or canceled their plans altogether.

Uncertainty in air travel has made it difficult for tourists to reach their destinations. Even those who have managed to arrive are facing difficulties. As a result, advance hotel bookings are being canceled rapidly, and some visitors are cutting their stays short and returning home earlier than planned.

Hotel operators in Pokhara say cancellations have surged during what was expected to be a busy season, leaving them worried as visitor numbers fall short of expectations.

At the same time, concerns are growing over a potential fuel crisis. While its full impact has not yet been felt in the tourism sector, entrepreneurs say the situation is worsening due to the Middle East tensions.

They warn that just as the general public has already begun to feel the effects of fuel shortages, the tourism industry may soon face similar difficulties. “The public has already experienced shortages. Now the commercial sector is likely to be affected soon,” said one entrepreneur.

Tourism operator Ganesh Bahadur Bhattarai said the sector is struggling with both declining tourist numbers and fuel concerns. “Because of the conflict, visitors who were supposed to come haven’t been able to. Despite it being the peak season, arrivals are far below expectations due to disruptions in travel routes,” he said.

Another entrepreneur, Dorje Lama, echoed similar concerns, stating that bookings are being canceled in large numbers. He added that tourists who had planned to visit are now holding back, while those already in Nepal are shortening their trips.

“If we fail to bring in tourists now, Nepal’s tourism market could suffer for at least five months,” Lama said. “The conflict has created a situation where both visitor flow and fuel supply have affected the tourism industry.”

He also warned that the country could face a situation similar to the 2015 blockade, urging the government to expand fuel storage capacity to avoid further disruption.

Similarly, tourism entrepreneur Naresh Bhattarai said the Middle East conflict has significantly impacted tourist arrivals. “Cancellations are happening rapidly. The sector is under pressure from all sides—fewer visitors and the risk of fuel shortages,” he said.

Former chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai, noted that this is the prime season for adventure tourists, but arrivals have not met expectations.

He also expressed concern that fuel shortages could worsen alongside declining tourist arrivals. “It feels like both issues could escalate at the same time. While the shortage hasn’t hit yet, there is growing fear of a situation similar to the blockade,” he added.

Hari Sharma, president of Hotel Association Gandaki, said hotel occupancy should be around 70–80 percent during this season but is currently estimated at only around 30 percent.

“There should be high occupancy at this time of year, but we are seeing only about 30 percent,” Sharma said. “On one hand, there is a lack of tourists; on the other, there is concern about fuel shortages. Both are adding pressure to the tourism sector.”