CHITWAN: Local tourism stakeholders have expressed high hopes that the government’s decision to implement a two-day weekly holiday will significantly revitalize the domestic tourism sector.
Starting April 1, the government transitioned to a Saturday-Sunday weekend model. While the primary objective is to curb fuel consumption amidst a global energy crisis, entrepreneurs in Chitwan believe the shift will create a consistent flow of “weekend travelers.”
Deepak Bhattarai, outgoing Chair of the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, noted that the provision is likely to have a lasting positive impact on the hospitality business if maintained. “This allows working individuals to opt for one-night, two-day package trips, making the industry more vibrant,” stakeholders observed.
Echoing this sentiment, Vice-Chair Gunaraj Thapaliya pointed out that since international markets remain closed on Sundays, aligning Nepal’s schedule with the global standard is a long-awaited move.
Hoteliers, including Samesh Silwal of Hotel Vista and Prakash Neupane of Banbas Resort, recalled that while similar attempts were made by former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai in the past, they lacked sustainability. However, with the current government holding a nearly two-thirds majority, entrepreneurs are hopeful for the political stability required to keep the policy in place.
The region, known for popular hubs like Sauraha, Patihani, Meghauli, and Bharatpur, is already preparing for an influx of domestic tourists looking to utilize the extended break.
Comment