Tourism Info Nepal

Nepal Hospitality Day 2025: A Grand Celebration of Progress and Future Vision

Nepal Hospitality Day 2025: A Grand Celebration of Progress and Future Vision

The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) marked Nepal Hospitality Day 2025 on January 15 with an extraordinary event that celebrated the achievements, addressed challenges, and outlined future strategies for the nation’s dynamic hospitality sector. Coinciding with HAN’s establishment day, this annual event has become a pivotal platform to evaluate the industry’s role in boosting Nepal’s economy and driving tourism growth.

In his keynote address, HAN President Binayak Shah applauded the remarkable advancements in Nepal’s hospitality sector. Sharing insights from the National Statistics Office, Shah revealed impressive statistics: over 142,000 hotels and restaurants across Nepal provide 116,000 rooms, collectively accommodating 2.2 million customers daily. The entry of international hotel brands has further expanded the industry’s capacity, enabling it to serve up to 3.5 million tourists annually. However, Shah underscored the pressing need to address the mismatch between growing supply and lagging demand, a key challenge for the sector.

Challenges in Nepal’s Hospitality Landscape
Shah highlighted critical issues that hinder the sector’s growth, particularly the nation’s poor road infrastructure. Long travel durations, such as the 10–12-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, deter tourists from exploring Nepal’s scenic wonders. Aviation safety also remains a major concern, with the European Union’s blacklist of Nepali airlines and recent air incidents tarnishing the country’s image as a safe travel destination. These obstacles, Shah emphasized, impede Nepal’s ability to fully harness its tourism potential.

Government Support for Tourism Growth
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, launched the Nepal Hotel Yearbook, published by HAN. He praised the event’s collaborative approach, uniting stakeholders for the holistic development of tourism in Nepal. Minister Pandey reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing aviation safety, and positioning Nepal as a premier global travel destination. Public-private partnerships, he stressed, are vital for sustainable tourism development.

Honoring Tourism Champions
The event recognized individuals who have significantly contributed to Nepal’s tourism initiatives, including Karna Shakya (Visit Nepal 1998), Yogendra Shakya (Nepal Tourism Year 2011), and Suraj Vaidya (Visit Nepal 2020). Culinary pioneers who promoted Nepal’s indigenous cuisines and key sponsors were also honored, showcasing the collaborative efforts vital for the industry’s success.

Strategic Growth and Regulation
HAN Senior Vice President Prabin Bahadur Pandey outlined ambitious plans for the sector’s future, citing substantial investments and the anticipated launch of new hotels in 2025/26. However, he expressed concerns about unregistered hotels and lodges operating outside legal frameworks, resulting in significant revenue losses. Regulating these establishments, he noted, could significantly boost government earnings and the national GDP.

Cultural Heritage and Culinary Highlights
The event featured HAN’s annual general meeting, where members approved a proposal to expand the association’s presence to all seven provinces and 77 districts. Traditional cuisines from various regions were showcased, highlighting Nepal’s rich culinary diversity and cultural heritage.

The program concluded with HAN General Secretary Sajan Shakya expressing heartfelt gratitude to participants and sponsors, emphasizing the power of collective efforts in shaping Nepal’s hospitality and tourism future. Nepal Hospitality Day 2025 not only celebrated past achievements but also charted a bold vision for a thriving hospitality industry that remains a cornerstone of the nation’s tourism aspirations.

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