The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) has expressed its approval of the government’s decision to classify “star hotels and eco-tourism resorts” as national priority industries. The announcement was made during HAN’s 49th Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday, where members commended the government for amending the ordinance to improve the economic and business environment and enhance investment in Nepal.
HAN stated that the move reflects decades of persistent advocacy by the association to achieve this recognition for the hotel sector. The government’s ordinance, titled “Economic and Business Environment Improvement and Investment Promotion Ordinance 2081,” now includes star hotels and eco-tourism resorts in the list of industries receiving national priority status.
In its official press release, HAN urged the government to extend similar facilities and benefits to other categories of hotels, not just star-rated establishments, under the rules and regulations to be framed following the amended law.
The association also highlighted the unique role of hotels as productive industries, arguing that their operations meet the criteria of adding more than 40% value through the use of raw materials. HAN requested that the government adopt policies treating the hotel sector in line with its value-additive contribution.
During the event, HAN also passed a proposal to restructure the organization under a federal system. This will ensure active representation in all seven provinces and 77 districts, enhancing service delivery and operational effectiveness.
As part of the celebrations, HAN announced the organization of “Hospitality Day 2025,” further showcasing its commitment to promoting Nepal’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
This recognition by the government is expected to pave the way for more significant investment in the tourism industry, boosting the country’s overall economic and business environment.