Kathmandu, August 20

Hoteliers have urged the government for a concessional loan scheme for hotels as their business has been hurt after the devastating earthquake due to reduced inflow of tourists.

Speaking at the 44th annual general meeting of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), its President B K Shrestha has said that the concessional loan scheme for hotels will be a great relief for entrepreneurs, especially, the small- and medium-scale hotels which are in a critical stage.

“Hoteliers have to operate the hotels even though there is no business at present,” said Shrestha, adding, “If the government extends a soft loan scheme, it will be easier to maintain working capital flow for some period of time.” Tourist arrival is expected to peak only by autumn next year.

HAN has announced two scholarships for graduate students of hotel management — one male and one female — in memory of late past presidents Sahadev Shumsher Rana and Arun Shumsher Rana. The scholarships will be extended from January, 2016, on the occasion of its golden jubilee.

HAN has said that in the year 2016, it will focus on branding and marketing of tourism products, promotional activities and also conduct various corporate social responsibility activities. The association also announced that it would build modern restrooms in Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.