Gen Z Protests Cause Rs 25 billion Loss To Nepal's Hotel Industry

Nepal's hotel industry, a vital revenue earner of its tourism-driven economy, has suffered a loss of over Rs 25 billion after nearly two dozen hotels across the country were vandalised, looted or torched during the recent student-led anti-government protests, according to a media report on Friday. 

Among the worst hit is the Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu, which alone reported damages exceeding Rs 8 billion, My Republica news portal reported, quoting a statement issued by the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN).

Other leading domestic and international brand hotels in Kathmandu



Valley, Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Jhapa, Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, Mahottari and Dang-Tulsipur also bore the brunt of the violence, it said. Many affected hotels will not be able to resume operations without repair and reconstruction, affecting the jobs of more than 2,000 workers, the HAN said. 

The association expressed concern that the destruction would make it difficult for hotels to meet financial obligations to banks and other institutions. It demanded a judicial committee to investigate the incidents, bring the perpetrators to justice and announce compensation for the affected businesses.