KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 20 Tourist arrivals in Sauraha have declined sharply during the ongoing peak season, with hotel occupancy dropping to below 50 percent compared to around 80 percent during the same period last year. According to the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, February to April is considered the main tourism season in Sauraha. However, businesses report lower-than-expected bookings this year despite favourable weather and improved wildlife visibility in Chitwan National Park. Hoteliers have linked the downturn partly to the upcoming elections, expressing hope that arrivals will rebound afterward. Tourism entrepreneurs say the slowdown has affected hotels, restaurants and elephant safari operations, with some operators reducing daily trips due to low demand. Sauraha has 148 hotels with a capacity of 7,200 beds, providing direct employment to around 6,400 people and indirect jobs to more than 12,000. The area attracts domestic and foreign visitors for wildlife viewing and Tharu cultural experiences.