The ongoing tension in West Asia is causing serious problems for Nepal’s tourism industry. Many international tourists, especially from Europe and North America, are canceling their trips to major destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini.

In Pokhara, the impact is very clear. At the Pokhara Grand, a popular five-star hotel, occupancy used to reach 80% during the spring season. This year, it has dropped to 50%.

Hotel owners say that 30% to 40% of tourists from the West have canceled their bookings. New bookings have almost stopped because traveling through major transit hubs like Dubai and Qatar has become difficult and expensive.

Indian and Domestic Tourists Provide Relief

While western tourists are staying away, Indian and local Nepali visitors are helping the industry survive.

• Indian Visitors: Many Indian tourists are visiting Pokhara for religious trips to Muktinath. Hotels are now focusing on attracting wealthy Indian travelers to make up for the loss of westerners.
• Local Travel: Due to weekend holidays and school breaks, many Nepalis are traveling within the country, keeping hotels active on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Chinese Market: There is also a small but steady increase in the number of Chinese tourists arriving in Nepal.

Lumbini and Chitwan Face Silence

The birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini, is also struggling. Hotel managers report that hundreds of room bookings were canceled last month.

Lalamani Sharma, President of the Lumbini Hotel Association, warned that if this situation continues, it could be as bad as the COVID-19 pandemic for the local economy.

In Chitwan, nature guides and hotel owners are feeling the pinch. While local visitors are still coming to see the national park, foreign tourist numbers are much lower than last year.

In March, third-country tourist arrivals in Chitwan dropped significantly compared to the same month in the previous year.

The Burden of Rising Fuel Prices

In places like Bardia and Karnali, the high price of fuel is the biggest problem.

• Expensive Safaris: In Bardia, the cost of a one-day jeep safari has jumped from NPR 12,500 to NPR 18,500 because of diesel prices.
• Karnali Shutdown: Roads in Karnali are quiet. In Jumla, hotel owners and local shopkeepers say business has dried up. Sales of local organic products like beans, apples, and Marsi rice have fallen because tourists are staying home to avoid high travel costs.
• Fewer Flights: Airlines are shifting their focus away from these regions, making it even harder for tourists to visit.

A Need for New Plans

Tourism experts believe Nepal needs a new strategy. Since the conflict in the Middle East is affecting international flights and safety, they suggest focusing more on regional neighbors and improving internal travel conditions to keep the industry alive during these tough times.