Recent violent protests in Nepal have caused widespread damage and negatively impacted the country’s economic and social fabric. The demonstrations resulted in not only property destruction but also human casualties, and many injured protesters are still receiving medical care.
The Hotel Association of Nepal has estimated that approximately two dozen hotels, including well-known international brands, suffered severe damage from vandalism, arson, and looting. The Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu alone is estimated to have incurred over $60 million in damages. The total financial damage to the hotel industry nationwide is preliminarily estimated at over $187.6 million.
The protests occurred at a critical time—the beginning of the peak tourist season. This created significant uncertainty and led to the cancellation of some foreign tourist bookings. The tourism sector, which was just beginning to recover from the 2015 earthquake, a border blockade, and the COVID-19 pandemic, has been shaken once again.
Despite the setback, experts believe the tourism sector will recover swiftly. Former Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal stated that the current situation is not comparable to past disasters and that the core of Nepal’s tourism remains unaffected. “First, there is no threat to tourists. Now, it is necessary to promote positively, not negatively. The current situation is not like past disasters… The main source markets are India and China… Trekking, religious, and adventure tourism have not been affected. This situation will improve soon,” he said.
Khanal also pointed out that the protests did not cause major problems for the country’s other key economic drivers—remittances and agriculture—which will facilitate a faster recovery.
Economist Dr. Samir Khatiwada acknowledged the damage to some tourist infrastructure but highlighted the immense potential of the sector. He noted that the protests could even be an opportunity for the country to get back on track. “Tourism is a very important sector of the economy with great potential,” he said. “The Gen Z protest has given Nepal an opportunity for course correction. It has also given a message for the creation of a society with good governance.”
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, confirmed that recovery efforts are already underway and that a draft plan is being prepared. He expressed confidence in the sector’s resilience, stating that it would rise again with the support of international organizations. “Tourism will surely rise again. Based on past experience and with the help of international organizations associated with tourism, Nepal’s tourism will recover soon,” he said.
Binayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association of Nepal, emphasized that all stakeholders must unite to advance the tourism recovery process. “Since the tourist season is about to begin, it is necessary to send a positive message from Nepal,” he said. “In past disasters, the tourism sector recovered quickly. Tourism is the most important sector that can bring economic prosperity to the country.”
He stressed the importance of effectively managing and operating the country’s large investments in hotel infrastructure and new airports to attract more tourists, especially from neighboring India and China.
Narendra Dev Bhatta, General Secretary of the PATA Nepal Chapter, also expressed hope that normalcy would return soon. “The difficult situation created during the tourist season has had a negative effect on tourism, but let’s hope that normalcy will return soon and the tourism sector will also become dynamic,” he said.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, there are currently about 15,000 foreign tourists in the country, and their safety is a top priority. Industry associations, including the Nepal Mountaineering Association and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), have also urged all stakeholders to work together to restore a tourism-friendly environment.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who was recently sworn in as Nepal’s interim leader amid the Gen Z protests, has inspected damage to various police offices in Kathmandu sustained during the demonstrations. Today, she visited the Maharajgunj Police Circle and Koteshwar Police Station, both severely damaged by arson on September 9.
Kathmandu Valley Police Office spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police Shekhar Khanal informed that the Prime Minister was briefed on the incident and urged police personnel to return to work with high morale. Most police offices under the Kathmandu Valley Police Office were torched during the protests. The inspection was attended by Inspector General of Police Chandrakuber Khapung, head of the Metropolitan Police Office Ranipokhari, Additional Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki, and other senior police officials.
Prime Minister Karki also visited injured youth from the Gen Z protests who are receiving treatment at the Civil Service Hospital in Minbhawan. She inquired about their health conditions. Hospital Executive Director Dr. Mohan Chandra Regmi informed that the Prime Minister learned about the injured individuals’ conditions.
During the visit, the injured shared details of their health with the Prime Minister, urging that their sacrifice for the country not go to waste, that she provide a way forward for the nation, and that future generations not have to protest again. Prime Minister Karki expressed her commitment to making every possible effort to bring about change in the country.
According to Executive Director Regmi, since last Monday, 457 injured individuals have arrived at the hospital, with 44 referred elsewhere. 364 have been discharged after treatment. Of the 49 admitted, 11 remain under treatment. One critically injured patient is in the intensive care unit, 45 surgeries and 7 re-operations have been performed. Six deaths occurred during treatment at the Civil Service Hospital.
Prime Minister Karki also visited the injured at the Trauma Center of Bir Hospital this afternoon to inquire about their health. According to Center Chief Dr. Badri Rijal, of the 36 admitted injured, six are still in intensive care. He informed the Prime Minister that two are in critical condition. Dr. Rijal told that he briefed the Prime Minister that some patients require surgery, but due to severe injuries, immediate operations are not possible.
Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
