CHITWAN: The first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is estimated to have generated more than Rs 500 million in economic activity across Chitwan and nearby areas, driven by a week-long influx of delegates, observers and supporters.
The convention, which began on Sunday, concludes today. Representatives and observers started arriving from Saturday, filling hotels and boosting business across the district.
According to Rajan Gautam, coordinator of the convention’s accommodation and food management subcommittee, more than Rs 500 million was spent during the week. Gautam, a former president of the Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, estimated that around Rs 200 million was spent on accommodation alone by delegates, observers and well-wishers.
He said that as many as 20,000 people stayed in Chitwan on the busiest day of the convention. The largest crowds arrived during the opening ceremony and the following day, with visitor numbers gradually declining afterward.
Hotels in Sauraha, eastern Chitwan and even Gaindakot in neighboring Nawalparasi accommodated convention participants. While delegates arranged and paid for their own lodging, the party covered meal expenses for four days. Gautam estimated that the RSP itself spent more than Rs 40 million on food and other convention-related arrangements.
Chief Inspector Anil Thapa of the Chitwan District Traffic Police Office said around 2,200 small and large vehicles entered the district from outside during the convention.
Rajendra Oli, senior vice-president of the Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the week-long event significantly boosted the local economy. He noted that full hotels and restaurants also benefited other sectors through increased demand.
Sales of dairy products, fish, meat, eggs, fruits and other agricultural products rose during the convention, contributing to economic activity across Bharatpur.
Om Pandey, president of the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, said hotels in Bharatpur enjoyed particularly strong business, followed by those in Sauraha and other tourist destinations.
He added that many RSP leaders and supporters visiting Chitwan for the first time also took the opportunity to explore the district’s major tourist attractions.
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