Recently, with the growth of the tourism business, interest in the hotel industry has increased in the region. Investment in hotels has started to rise from Baglung Bazaar, the district’s headquarters, to remote areas. Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Prasad Pandey recently inaugurated Hotel Ila Comfort in Baglung Bazaar.
This newly opened hotel is the first in the district with significant investment. The president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has invested NPR 300 million in the hotel, which aims to provide services targeting incoming tourists. About six months ago, two hotels in the market expanded their services. Hotel Red Apple has started operations in a larger area after relocating, while Hotel Shital has invested an additional NPR 20 million to enhance its services.
Hotels in the district headquarters, such as Hotel The Rajan, Peace Palace, Summit Dhaulagiri, and Hotel Parvat, are also expanding their services. Other hotels and restaurants are focusing on tourist-centric services as well. Outside the district headquarters, hotels like Mountain View in Ghodebande, Galcot Square in Galkot, Agro Resort in Badigad, Sakura in Kusmishera, Hotel Darbar in Burtibang, and Hotel Lokmarg cater to tourists.
Investment in the hotel business is increasing to promote tourism in Baglung. As more tourists come to visit major attractions like the famous Kalika Bhagwati Temple, Panchkot, Shaligram Museum, and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, the demand for well-equipped hotels and lodges is rising, according to Sanjay Shrestha, operator of Hotel Sagun. The Kali Gandaki Corridor and the Mid-Hill Highway are facilitating tourist access.
“Existing hotels alone will not be sufficient as tourist numbers rise,” said Arjun Chokhal, president of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Federation for Gandaki Province. “Increasing investment in the hotel industry is not only a positive message for the district but also the entire province.”
Hoteliers have invested between NPR 10 million and NPR 300 million, providing direct employment to over a thousand people. The arrival of guests has enlivened the area, and hotel and lodge operators are providing good service, according to Tal Bahadur Kunwar, operator of Hotel Shital.
“There are many possibilities here; if the government ensures investment security, investors will be ready,” said Naresh Kandel, president of the Baglung Chamber of Commerce. “Attracting investment is the government’s responsibility, and the perspective towards the private sector needs to change from local to central government levels.”
Business owners have also begun to introduce various tourism packages to attract guests. After exploring different areas, it has become easier for domestic tourists to find comfortable hotels for overnight stays. With the increase in tourist arrivals, hotel revenue has also risen. On busy days, a single hotel can earn between NPR 50,000 to NPR 100,000, according to Ram Parajuli, manager of Hotel Parvat.
Baglung’s tourist sites attract groups from schools, cooperatives, and families from across the country. Hotel Annapurna’s operator, Dholraj Poudel, mentioned that the district receives 300 to 500 tourists daily, including those who return from Mustang and visit Tato Pani Kund in Myagdi.
