Investments in the hotel industry are continuously increasing to keep the tourism sector vibrant in Nepalgunj. The star-rated hotels already operating in Nepalgunj are investing in expanding infrastructure and upgrading their services and facilities, while new hotels are entering the market with large-scale investments.
One such hotel under construction is the five-star ‘Pauwa Western’, which is investing around 1 billion Nepali Rupees (NPR). Durga Bhandari, Chairman of Hotel Pauwa, shared that the hotel plans to offer international-standard facilities with Nepali hospitality, investing approximately NPR 1 billion. According to him, the first phase has been completed, including a state-of-the-art conference hall and a Nepali restaurant, while the main accommodation building is currently under construction. He emphasized the importance of not compromising on infrastructure and amenities needed to sustain the growth of the tourism sector in this region.
Giriraj Pandey, Manager of Hotel Pauwa in Nepalgunj, informed that the hotel will feature five different restaurants offering various cuisines, four large conference halls, 14 meeting rooms, and 96 deluxe rooms including seven suites. It will be the first hotel in Nepalgunj to offer a spa, swimming pool, and gym facilities under one roof in a nine-story building.
Similarly, Hotel City Palace, already operating in Nepalgunj, has enhanced its infrastructure to provide five-star level services, said hotel operator Lokendra Aryal. He mentioned that additional investments have been made to meet the standards of a five-star hotel, both in infrastructure and services.
Ranga Bahadur Khadka, President of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association Banke, Nepalgunj, stated that the hotel and tourism industry, which was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn, is now on a path of progress. He emphasized the need for the government to create a positive policy environment to further support this improving situation.
“Despite various narratives being spread externally, the reality is that the economy is reviving,” Khadka said. “Hotels with investments of tens of millions aren’t opening for no reason there are signs of improvement.”
Madan B.C., the founding president of the association, added that the improved perception of hotel entrepreneurs has led to better business conditions. “In the past, people entering and staying at hotels were looked at suspiciously. But over the past two decades, there’s been a significant shift in how Nepalis perceive hotels. Now, not just wedding feasts, but even sacred wedding mandaps for the kanyadaan ceremony are being set up in hotels this has helped the industry,” he said.
Former president of the association, Bhim Kandel, stated that there is great potential for business growth in Nepalgunj, and to keep the hotel and tourism sector thriving, all three levels of government must collaborate with the private sector through joint partnership models.
Prashant Bista, Mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, expressed happiness that the hotel and tourism sector, which had faced severe challenges due to COVID-19, is now heading toward recovery. He stressed the importance of cooperation to turn tourism potential into opportunity.
“We must aim for sustainable tourism development by even reforming policy-level issues. I am committed to supporting the hotel and tourism sector, which is a major source of revenue and employment,” said Mayor Bista. “The government should also focus on creating an environment where Indian tourists can visit Nepalgunj more conveniently.”
