The Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Bagmati Province, has called on the government to recognize hotel businesses as an industry, arguing that the sector plays a vital role in Nepal’s tourism economy and should receive facilities and incentives similar to those provided to other industries. The demand was made public following the first meeting of the association’s Bagmati Province executive committee, which was held at Hotel Grand Chabahil in Kathmandu.
Hotels Seek Recognition as an Industry
Bagmati Province President Ram Sundar Bake said hotels are an essential part of the tourism industry and should be given formal recognition as an industry. According to him, the association plans to approach the relevant government authorities with a request for industry-level facilities and policy provisions for hotel businesses. The association believes that treating hotels as an industry could help create a more supportive environment for investment, expansion and modernization within the hospitality sector.
Push for Easier Environmental Approval for Small Hotels
The association has also called for changes to environmental regulations affecting smaller accommodation businesses. It has requested the government to introduce provisions under which hotels with up to 25 rooms would not be required to undergo the existing IEE or similar preliminary environmental assessment process. The association argues that such regulatory provisions could reduce procedural burdens on smaller hotels and make it easier for entrepreneurs to establish and operate accommodation facilities. Any changes, however, would need to balance business facilitation with appropriate environmental safeguards and sustainable tourism principles.
Hotel and Tourism Fair Planned
The Bagmati Province chapter has also decided to organize a tourism fair within the current fiscal year. The event is expected to provide a platform for hotels, tourism businesses and related stakeholders to showcase their services, build business connections and promote tourism products. Such initiatives could also help create greater visibility for tourism businesses across Bagmati Province and encourage collaboration among private-sector operators.
Tourism Dialogue to Reach All 13 Districts
Another major decision of the meeting was to strengthen engagement between tourism entrepreneurs and government authorities. The association plans to establish district-level committees in all 13 districts of Bagmati Province within the month of Bhadra. It also plans to conduct tourism dialogue programs across the districts, bringing government representatives and hotel entrepreneurs together to discuss challenges, opportunities and policy issues affecting tourism businesses. The initiative aims to create a stronger communication channel between the government and private sector and ensure that tourism-related concerns from different districts receive greater attention.
New Committees Formed for Promotion and Finance
The association has also reorganized several internal committees to support its activities. A three-member Publicity and Promotion Committee has been formed under the coordination of Binod Jirel to strengthen the association’s promotional activities. Similarly, a three-member Finance Department has been established under the coordination of the association’s treasurer. For the effective operation of the association’s office, another three-member committee has been formed under the leadership of senior adviser Ghanshyam Shrestha.
Focus on Strengthening the Hospitality Sector
The decisions reflect the association’s broader effort to strengthen the hospitality industry and create a more favorable operating environment for tourism businesses. Hotels are a fundamental part of Nepal’s tourism infrastructure, providing accommodation, food, employment and other services to visitors. The health of the hotel industry therefore has a direct impact on the country’s ability to attract and retain tourists. Industry stakeholders say policy stability, easier investment procedures, appropriate regulations and stronger cooperation between the government and private sector are essential for sustainable growth in the hospitality sector.
Potential Impact on Tourism Development
Recognizing hotels as an industry could potentially provide businesses with greater access to industry-related facilities and government support. Meanwhile, tourism fairs and district-level tourism dialogues could help connect businesses with new markets and strengthen tourism networks across Bagmati Province. The association’s plans also indicate a growing focus on taking tourism discussions beyond Kathmandu and engaging stakeholders across all 13 districts. If implemented effectively, these initiatives could contribute to a more coordinated approach to tourism development and help strengthen the hospitality sector as a key pillar of Nepal’s tourism economy.
