KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBERR 13

Nepal's tourism industry has suffered an estimated Rs 25 billion loss from the September 8–9 Gen-Z protests, which damaged hotels, disrupted travel, and led to booking cancellations just as the peak tourist season was set to begin.

A preliminary Hotel Association Nepal report found more than two dozen hotels vandalized or looted-including Kathmandu's Hilton, which alone faces losses exceeding Rs 8 billion. Key destinations such as Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, and Dhangadhi were also affected.

Despite the setback, tourism officials remain upbeat. Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi said a recovery plan is ready and emphasized that 'tourism will definitely revive,' citing past rebounds after disasters like the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economist Dr. Samir Khatiwada and industry leaders urged the government to promote a positive international image, ensure law and order, and support safe travel for the roughly 15,000 foreign tourists currently in the country.

Meanwhile, Hotel Association Nepal Chair Binayak Shah stressed the need for all stakeholders to unite and advance the process of tourism revival. 'As the tourist season is about to begin, it is important to send a positive message from Nepal,' he said.

Stakeholders, including the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal and the Mountaineering Association, have called for unified action to restore confidence and speed Nepal's tourism revival.