The Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has called for urgent and prioritized management of travel disruptions caused by ongoing curfews across the country and the closure of airports, warning that the issue is directly tied to Nepal’s global image and the future of its tourism industry. The association emphasized that restoring travel facilitation for tourists must be treated as a national priority.
In a statement released today, HAN called on all relevant stakeholders to take immediate and coordinated action to ensure the smooth mobility of tourists and to create a tourism-friendly environment.
Tourism at Stake Due to Current Situation
HAN noted that the existing adverse conditions, including widespread curfews and the closure of Tribhuvan International Airport, have disrupted the travel plans of both domestic and foreign visitors. The association emphasized that prompt management of the situation is directly linked to Nepal’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination and to the long-term stability of the tourism sector.
“The country is currently under curfew, airports are closed, and the travel plans of visiting tourists have been thrown into uncertainty. Resolving these challenges quickly and effectively should be a national priority, as it is intrinsically tied to the image of the country and the future of tourism,” HAN’s statement read.
Coordination to Support Stranded Tourists
HAN reported that it is actively working in coordination with the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Army to assist tourists stranded in various parts of the country due to the current situation. The association is focusing on facilitating proper arrangements for those affected, ensuring they have access to accommodations, transportation, and safety.
Tourists in need of hotel lodging have been urged to contact HAN’s hotline at 9851031495 for assistance. The hotline aims to connect stranded travelers with suitable hotels that can cater to their needs during this period of disruption.
Commitment of the Hospitality Sector
The association assured that, as the upcoming festive season and the peak tourism period approach, the hospitality sector, including hotels, resorts, and related services, remains fully committed to managing the needs of tourists visiting Nepal or already in the country. HAN expressed that with timely coordination and prioritization from all stakeholders, it would be possible to reduce the significant and unexpected cancellations currently being experienced in the tourism sector.
According to the statement, such preventive measures would not only help limit cancellations but also foster confidence among prospective travelers considering Nepal as their holiday destination in the near future.
Appeal Against Destruction of Property
HAN also condemned recent incidents of arson and destruction of private and public property, including damage to hotels and other hospitality infrastructure. The association labeled such acts as a destruction of the nation’s assets, warning that rebuilding these essential facilities would require substantial time and resources from Nepal’s already limited means.
“The burning of hotels and other public and private properties is the destruction of assets that belong to the country itself. Tomorrow, when these facilities are needed again, their reconstruction will demand resources we can ill afford. We appeal to everyone to prevent further destruction,” the association urged.
Honoring Sacrifices and Hoping for Peace
In a heartfelt message, HAN paid tribute to the youths who sacrificed their lives during the recent protests, describing them as brave individuals who gave their lives for change and a better future for Nepal. The association prayed for the eternal peace of their souls and wished the injured a speedy recovery with access to quality medical treatment.
HAN further expressed its hope that the sacrifices made would pave the way for constructive dialogue and solutions that serve the best interests of the nation and its people. The association stressed that this transitional period should be an opportunity to build unity, ensure stability, and reinforce Nepal’s position as a welcoming destination for global travelers.
Call for Urgent Stakeholder Action
The statement concluded with a strong call for immediate, decisive action from all relevant authorities, including government agencies, tourism stakeholders, and security forces — to stabilize the situation. By restoring normalcy and ensuring the safe mobility of tourists, HAN believes Nepal can limit the long-term damage to its tourism industry and protect the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on the sector.
HAN reiterated that tourism is one of the pillars of Nepal’s economy, and its revival requires collective effort, urgency, and a tourism-friendly environment. The association encouraged all parties to put aside differences and work toward solutions that prioritize both national stability and the well-being of visitors.
Looking Ahead
As Nepal navigates this transitional phase, marked by both challenges and opportunities, HAN underlined that the hospitality sector will continue to operate as a vital support system for tourists. The association reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate with national and international partners to restore confidence in Nepal as a safe, attractive, and well-managed destination.
The tourism industry, HAN noted, has endured multiple crises in recent decades, from natural disasters to global pandemics, but each time, it has demonstrated resilience. With proper management, swift stakeholder coordination, and a focus on the nation’s image, HAN believes the current situation can be turned around, safeguarding both the industry and the livelihoods it sustains.
