Post by : Raman

Nepal is famous around the world for its beautiful mountains, rich culture, and friendly people. Every year, thousands of tourists come from different countries to see the Himalayan mountains, especially Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak. Trekking, visiting temples, and exploring nature are some of the most popular activities for visitors.

But now, Nepal’s tourism industry is facing a serious problem. Deadly protests in the capital city, Kathmandu, have scared away many tourists. These protests, which became violent, have left 72 people dead and more than 2,000 injured. The protests also forced the former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign.

This unrest happened right when Nepal was entering its busy tourist season. September to December is when most tourists visit the country. Shops, restaurants, pubs, hotels, and trekking organizers were all ready to welcome travelers. However, instead of crowded streets, places like Thamel—Kathmandu’s most famous tourist area—are now almost empty.

Why Are Tourists Staying Away?

According to Nepal’s tourism authority, hotel owners, and trekking business organizers, the number of tourists has fallen by 30% compared to this time last year. Many had already made bookings for trips in Nepal but cancelled them after the protests started.

Ram Chandra Giri, a 49-year-old man who organizes trekking trips and owns a Japanese restaurant in Kathmandu, said:
“I am sitting outside idle because there are no tourists. Many groups have cancelled their trips in September.” He added that about 35% of his customers cancelled their bookings.

Renu Baniya, who owns a hotel, said that all bookings for the next month were completely cancelled. This is a huge loss for the tourism sector.

Travel Advisories Increase Fears

The protests in Nepal were very serious. Images of a burning parliament building and the Hilton Hotel shocked the world. As a result, many countries issued travel advisories. These advisories warned their citizens not to travel to Nepal unless it was essential.

Tourists usually begin their treks from the capital, Kathmandu. But now, many are afraid to come. The situation made people worry not only about their safety but also about the country’s future.

Nepal usually welcomes about 1.2 million tourists every year. Tourism contributes around 8% of the country’s GDP. Losing so many visitors during the peak season is a major blow.

Why Is This Important for Nepal?

Tourism is one of Nepal’s biggest industries. Many people, including hotel owners, restaurant workers, guides, and shopkeepers, depend on tourists to earn a living. The money earned from tourism helps families and keeps the economy strong.

Some of the world’s most famous trekking trails, including the way to Mount Everest Base Camp, are located in Nepal. Adventurers, climbers, and nature lovers visit to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. Losing tourists now could damage Nepal’s image as a safe and welcoming travel destination.

Deepak Raj Joshi, the CEO of Nepal’s Tourism Board, said:
“Damage to government buildings and a few hotels might give a negative message not only to visitors but to investors as well.”

In recent days, the rate of cancellations increased to 8%-10%.

Will Tourism Come Back?

As calm returned under the new interim government led by Sushila Karki, there is still hope that tourists will come back. However, many parts of Kathmandu still carry the smell of smoke, with burnt debris and destroyed buildings remaining from the protests.

Tourism Board CEO Joshi said:
“We have to be very honest while communicating … if the situation is not good, the industry will never say visit us.”

Despite the fear, some foreign tourists who stayed in Nepal during the protests said they felt safe. Franz, a 55-year-old tourist from Germany, explained:
“Our family and friends asked us to come back. But we never had any insecurity.”

This shows that not everyone is afraid of visiting Nepal, but clear communication and visible safety measures are needed to rebuild confidence.

How Does This Affect The Economy?

Tourism is one of the strongest parts of Nepal’s economy. Almost 8% of the country’s total income comes from this industry. When tourists cancel trips or avoid coming, it leads to job losses, lower incomes for small businesses, and fewer foreign investments.

Hotels, restaurants, trekking companies, and shops in tourist areas like Thamel face huge losses. Many workers, especially daily wage workers, may lose their jobs or have less money to support their families.

The government needs tourists to keep the economy growing. Without tourists, businesses will struggle, and the country’s financial health may suffer.

What Is The Government Doing?

Nepal’s newly appointed interim government is trying to restore order and safety. They are cleaning up damaged areas, removing debris, and working to make the streets safe for both residents and visitors.

There are plans to improve security in popular tourist spots. The government hopes that by showing the world that Nepal is safe again, tourists will return.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki and her government are also preparing for national elections, set for March 5, 2026. Stability in the government is important not only for tourism but for the future of the whole country.

What Can Tourists Do?

If tourists want to visit Nepal, they must stay updated on travel advisories from their governments. They should follow local news and check if the situation is calm before traveling.

Some travelers still feel safe in Nepal and enjoy their stay. However, it is always best to be careful, avoid protests, and stick to tourist areas with proper security.

Nepal is a beautiful country full of mountains, history, and culture. Its tourism industry plays a key role in the economy and provides jobs to many people. However, the recent violent protests have badly affected this industry.

While the situation is calming down, the fear remains in the minds of many tourists. The government and business owners are working hard to bring back visitors. They know that the future of Nepal’s economy depends on the return of tourists.

This crisis shows the importance of peace, safety, and good communication. If Nepal can prove it is stable and welcoming again, tourists from all over the world will surely return to experience its wonders.

The journey to full recovery may take time, but hope remains strong.

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