The government’s decision to forcibly close hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues after 10 PM has angered Kathmandu’s hotel and restaurant operators. They contend that rather than being conducive to tourism, the policy poses a threat to the sector’s survival.
Because most domestic and international flights arrive late, popular tourist destinations like Thamel, Sundhara, the area around Tribhuvan International Airport, Bus Park, and Kalanki are busiest at night. When police close businesses as soon as guests arrive, they frequently become irate.
Hotel Entrepreneurs
“In no way is this a tourism-friendly policy,” stated Suresh Baral, the chairperson of the District Hotel Business Association Kathmandu (DHBA). Late-night closures might deter travelers from returning to Nepal, he added.
Baral emphasized that Kathmandu has changed from being a dangerous and gloomy city. He referred to the strict enforcement under the pretense of security as “shameful,” given the well-lit roads, regular electricity, CCTV surveillance, and vibrant urban atmosphere.
With a long-term objective of 24-hour operation, hotel operators are calling for extended operating hours until midnight. They emphasize that the sector is a major source of foreign exchange, creates thousands of jobs, and entails significant investments. Business owners have been irritated by the lack of response despite their repeated complaints to the District Administration Office, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and other authorities.
Entrepreneurs contend that such worries are out of date in today’s technologically advanced and secure environment, despite the government citing security concerns as justification for the policy. They caution that the national economy may suffer if a reviving tourism industry is suppressed, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. They demand that forced hotel closures after 10 PM end immediately.
