Hotel entrepreneurs have voiced serious concerns over the lack of government support and protection for the hotel industry, which they describe as crucial to the country’s tourism development.
Speaking at an event on Friday, Suresh Baral, President of the Hotel Business Association Kathmandu, criticized the state’s approach as discriminatory. “Hotels located in areas with high domestic and international tourist traffic should be guaranteed security. Instead, police officers arrive before 10 PM blowing whistles to shut down hotels,” he said. “Running a hotel is not a crime; it is the backbone of tourism development. Yet, we are being treated like criminals.”
During an interaction with newly elected officials and members of the Nepal Journalists Forum, Baral highlighted that the state’s perspective towards hotel businesses reflects a lack of respect, not just in policy but also in actual behavior.
Supporting this sentiment, the Association’s Secretary Anish Baniya echoed that despite hotels following all legal processes and paying taxes, they are still subjected to restrictive practices, especially during nighttime operations. “At times, we are made to feel like offenders rather than entrepreneurs,” Baniya remarked.
In response, Yubaraj Bidrohi, President of the Nepal Journalists Forum, emphasized that the communication sector and the government must address tourism and private businesses with respect and dignity. “Our journalism stands not only in support of hotel businesses but also for the broader economic development of the nation,” he stated.
