KATHMANDU, Nepal — Less than a month after violent street protests on September 8 and 9 upended daily life in Kathmandu, Nepal’s tourism industry is racing to reassure globetrotters that the Himalayan nation remains open, welcoming and safe.
Nepal tourism rebound: hoteliers count the cost
Although no visitors or hotel staff were injured, arson attacks linked to the Gen-Z protest movement left the Hilton Hotel in the capital’s Naxal district in ruins and damaged approximately two dozen additional properties across Kathmandu, Pokhara and several secondary cities. Binayak Shah, president of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), told Khabarhub that insurers and independent appraisers are still tallying losses, but early estimates top Rs 25 billion, with about Rs 8 billion attributed to the Hilton alone. “Tourism depends on peace and stability,” Shah said during the interview. Beyond the bricks and mortar, the timing of the violence could hardly have been worse. Nepal’s peak season for trekking, pilgrimage and cultural tours runs from early autumn into December, when dry skies and crisp mountain vistas lure hikers toward Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. Hoteliers had hoped that 2023 would cement the nation’s post-pandemic recovery after welcoming 1.2 million visitors last year—well below the 3.5 million annual capacity HAN believes the country can comfortably host.
What happened on September 8–9?
The so-called Gen-Z movement began as a youth-led campaign for governance reform and quickly escalated into clashes that toppled the government. Protesters set fires at 8 to 10 sites across urban centers, imposed curfews and left 74 people dead, according to local media reports cited by HAN. Overseas newsfeeds looped images of smoke-filled streets, raising red flags for would-be travelers weighing autumn trekking permits and hotel bookings.
Rapid response: #NepalNow campaign
Within days, Nepal Tourism Board, HAN and private operators launched the #NepalNow social-media push, streaming real-time clips of undisturbed Durbar Squares, serene lakeside strolls in Pokhara and safari jeeps rolling through Chitwan National Park. The goal: counter the narrative of chaos with snapshots of normalcy. “Guests were able to continue trekking, pilgrimage and city tours even during the unrest,” Shah said in the Khabarhub interview, crediting coordination with the Nepali Army for keeping tourist corridors open. He emphasized that none of Nepal’s past political upheavals have intentionally targeted foreigners—a point seasoned visitors often cite when urging first-timers not to cancel.
Government pledges policy support
Facing an industry that contributes roughly 6 percent to GDP and employs hundreds of thousands, Nepal’s interim government has promised what it calls a “recovery package” for private enterprises hit by the riots. Details are expected within days, but hoteliers want three quick wins:
- Fast-tracking insurance payouts once loss assessments are finalized.
- Temporary tax holidays or reduced VAT on room rates to entice both domestic and inbound travel.
- Accelerated marketing funds to amplify #NepalNow and other destination-promotion efforts.
Learning from regional comebacks
Stakeholders often reference Sri Lanka’s rebound from its 2022 economic crisis, when visitor arrivals almost doubled within a year after the government rolled out visa fee waivers and airfare subsidies. “We’ve seen countries bounce back quickly,” Shah said, adding that Nepal’s geographic position between India and China keeps long-term investor interest intact, provided stability holds.
Infrastructure ready but underused
Even before the protests, occupancy rates were well below pre-COVID levels despite the opening of two new international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa. Aviation analysts note that additional direct connections from Southeast Asia and the Middle East could unlock fresh markets, especially if major carriers gain confidence that September’s turmoil was an aberration rather than a harbinger. For trekkers, the core concern is whether tea-house trails and domestic flight schedules remain reliable. As of this week, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport reports normal operations, and local operators confirm that permits for Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp are being issued without interruption. Porters and guides are back at work, eager for the seasonal surge.
Tips for Travelers
- Check with your tour company or hotel about flexible booking policies while the insurance and government relief picture evolves.
- Register with your embassy if traveling independently into high-altitude regions; mobile connectivity can be patchy.
- Carry a digital copy of your travel insurance, which should include political-unrest clauses.
- Follow the #NepalNow hashtag for real-time updates from local businesses and travelers on the ground.
- Consider routing through Pokhara or Bhairahawa airports if Kathmandu fares spike during the recovery-marketing blitz.
What to expect on the ground now
Curfews have been lifted, and daily life in Kathmandu’s Thamel backpacker quarter hums with the usual jumble of prayer-flag stalls, momo-shop aromas and gear stores advertising last-minute sleeping-bag rentals. In the heritage city of Bhaktapur, visitor numbers remain thin enough that the UNESCO-listed courtyard of the 55-Window Palace feels almost private—an unexpected perk for culture seekers. Hotel managers say advanced bookings for October and November are about 20 percent below 2019 levels, a gap they hope flash sales will close. Some properties offer complimentary airport transfers or free nights for stays longer than five days. International credit-card processors continue operating normally, and Nepal’s ATMs have not reported cash shortages.
Outlook for the rest of 2023
Industry insiders believe word of mouth will determine whether the upcoming winter climbing season regains momentum. If trekkers post trouble-free experiences from Gokyo Lakes and the Langtang Valley, confidence could rebound swiftly. Conversely, any repeat of street violence would force tour operators to reroute or cancel itineraries, further straining hoteliers already balancing repair bills with discounted rates. On the investment front, several five-star projects slated for 2024 and 2025 remain on track, according to HAN, underscoring the sector’s belief that Nepal’s combination of culture, adventure and spiritual travel will prevail over short-term shocks.
FAQ
Is Nepal safe for travelers right now? Yes. No incidents involving tourists were reported during the September protests, and security forces have restored order.
Are trekking permits or domestic flights affected? Both continue to be issued and operated on normal schedules, though it’s wise to confirm mountain-weather delays.
What about road travel during political rallies? Demonstrations can disrupt traffic in Kathmandu Valley; allow extra transit time to the airport and monitor local news.
Will hotel prices drop? Many mid-range and luxury hotels are running flash deals. Budget travelers may find an unusual surplus of rooms.
Is travel insurance mandatory? Not legally, but highly recommended. You can select a policy that includes coverage for civil unrest and evacuation.
Bottom line for globetrotters
Nepal’s allure—towering peaks, ancient temples, and warm hospitality—remains undiminished. While images of burning buildings rattled confidence, the tourism community’s rapid mobilization, coupled with government pledges, suggests the window for exceptional value and crowd-free exploration may never be better. Travelers willing to look beyond the headlines will find a country eager, and increasingly prepared, to welcome them back. — as Shah told Khabarhub.
