Nepal’s hotel industry has launched a substantial relief and humanitarian response following the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi area of Rasuwa, with the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) and its member properties contributing millions of rupees to the government’s disaster relief fund while also providing essential supplies and free accommodation to families searching for missing people. The initiative comes as rescue, relief and recovery efforts continue for both Nepali and foreign nationals affected by the disaster, highlighting the tourism sector’s growing role in supporting communities beyond its commercial activities during a national emergency.
The Hotel Association Nepal has coordinated financial contributions from several member hotels to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, while individual properties have also been sending food, clothing and medicines directly to affected communities. At the same time, HAN has arranged free lodging and meals for relatives of missing citizens and foreign tourists who have traveled to Kathmandu in connection with search and rescue efforts, in coordination with provincial and district-level hotel associations and the assistance desk established at the Nepal Tourism Board.
Major Hotel Groups Channel Millions Into Flood Relief
Several major hotels have made substantial financial contributions through HAN’s relief initiative. The Kingsbury has provided the largest reported contribution, donating Rs. 11.1 million (Rs. 1 crore 11 lakh) to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. Chandragiri Hills has contributed Rs. 5.251 million, while Hotel Mechi Crown has provided Rs. 2.6 million and Everest Hotel has donated Rs. 2 million. Ramada Encore Thamel has also contributed Rs. 1.111111 million, adding to the growing pool of assistance being mobilized by Nepal’s hospitality industry.
Other participating properties and organizations include Crown Imperial Hotel and Mount Glory Forest Resort, under Orchid Glory Limited, which together contributed Rs. 511,111; Dream Group Butwal with Rs. 503,000; Hotel Sarathi with Rs. 165,000; Hotel Ambassador with Rs. 100,000; Club Himalaya with Rs. 100,000; and Hotel Association Nepal Sindhuli with Rs. 104,285. HAN said contributions have also been received from Dhulikhel Mountain Resort, Hotel Nans and Hotel Melungtse, while additional member hotels are continuing to contribute to the relief effort.
Relief Efforts Extend Beyond Financial Contributions
The response from the hotel sector has not been limited to cash donations. Several hotels are directly supplying food, clothing and medicines to areas affected by the floods, providing immediate assistance to communities dealing with the consequences of the disaster. Employees of Chandragiri Hills, Crown Imperial and Mount Glory have also made personal contributions to the relief fund, adding an individual dimension to the wider institutional response from the hospitality sector.
The scale of the response reflects the sector’s recognition that the disaster has affected not only tourism businesses but also local communities, workers and families connected to the industry. With rescue and recovery operations still underway, HAN has positioned its network of hotels and regional associations as an additional channel for humanitarian assistance, while continuing to coordinate with relevant authorities and tourism bodies.
Free Hotel Stays Offered To Families Searching For Missing Relatives
One of HAN’s most significant humanitarian measures is its decision to arrange free accommodation and meals for relatives of people missing in the floods, including families of foreign tourists who have traveled to Kathmandu while searching for information about their loved ones. The association is coordinating with provincial and district hotel associations to facilitate the arrangements, providing practical support to families facing the financial and emotional burden of remaining in Kathmandu during the search and rescue process.
HAN is also working with the assistance desk at the Nepal Tourism Board to support families of tourists who remain out of contact. The coordination is intended to help families access available information and receive assistance with the logistical arrangements surrounding the search for their relatives. At a time when uncertainty over the whereabouts of missing travelers has placed significant pressure on families, the hospitality sector’s accommodation support is aimed at easing at least part of that burden.
Hotel Industry Signals Broader Commitment To Disaster Recovery
Alongside its immediate relief measures, HAN has announced plans to organize a condolence and prayer gathering in memory of those who lost their lives in the disaster. The association said the event will express solidarity with bereaved families and honor the victims, while also conveying support for those who continue to await news of missing relatives.
HAN has expressed its wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured and said it hopes the search and rescue operations for missing people will conclude as soon as possible. The response also underscores the broader role of Nepal’s tourism and hospitality industry during a crisis: while hotels are among the businesses affected by disruptions to travel and tourism, the sector is simultaneously using its resources, facilities and organizational network to support relief, families and recovery efforts.
