Tourism Info Nepal

Breakthrough Resolution Unites Lumbini Hotels and Monastic Area

Breakthrough Resolution Unites Lumbini Hotels and Monastic Area

Lumbini Hotel Association Nepal and the Lumbini Monastic Area have resolved their long-standing dispute. This disagreement stemmed from the construction of monasteries and viharas within the Lumbini Master Plan area, which began affecting local hotel businesses.

The government of Nepal had allocated plots within the Lumbini Development Master Plan for various countries to construct monasteries and viharas reflecting their cultural identities. However, the construction of accommodations within these monasteries, capable of hosting hundreds of pilgrims, led to protests from local tourism entrepreneurs. The hoteliers argued that such facilities were pulling pilgrims away from local hotels, pushing them to the brink of closure.

To address this issue and avoid negative international publicity, the Lumbini Development Trust initiated the formulation of the Lumbini Vihara and Pilgrim Management Procedure 2081. The policy was developed under the leadership of the Trust, in collaboration with Lumbini Hotel Association, Lumbini Cultural Municipality, and the District Administration Office, Rupandehi.

The newly introduced guidelines include an 8-point agreement, outlining that only a limited number of monks, lamas, bhantes, economically disadvantaged pilgrims, and donors will be accommodated within monasteries and viharas. It further specifies that hotel operators will also participate in welcoming and hosting religious pilgrims, ensuring harmony and collaboration between hotels and monastic facilities.

According to Dhundhiraj Bhattarai (Siddhicharan), Treasurer of the Lumbini Development Trust, the agreement was reached during discussions held in the presence of Member of Parliament Basudev Ghimire. The meeting included representatives from the Trust, hotel operators, and monastic area representatives.

MP Ghimire highlighted that the resolution of this dispute is a significant step forward, as previous disagreements had tarnished Lumbini’s reputation on an international scale. He emphasized the need to create an environment in Lumbini that attracts tourists from around the world.

Govinda Gyawali, President of the Lumbini Hotel Association Nepal, welcomed the resolution, expressing optimism that the misunderstanding between hotels and monasteries is now over. He stressed the importance of faithfully implementing the agreed-upon procedures to ensure mutual benefits for all parties involved.

This collaborative approach aims to enhance the tourist experience in Lumbini, reinforcing its status as a globally significant pilgrimage and tourist destination.

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