Kathmandu, May 30

One of the pioneer entrepreneurs in the field of Nepal’s hospitality industry — BK Shrestha — passed away today morning at his residence in Bhainsepati. He was 68.

Shrestha, owner and managing director of Radisson Hotel, was suffering from lung cancer since a few years. Diagnosed two-and-a-half years ago, his health started to deteriorate just two months ago and he was receiving special treatment at his residence under the guidance of doctors, according to Shrestha’s colleagues.

Shrestha, who had been involved in the hospitality sector since more than four decades, had become the president of Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) — the umbrella body of domestic hotels — in 2014. Shrestha also owns various hotels and travel companies in Pokhara and Chitwan.

HAN President Amar Man Shakya recalled Shrestha as one of the hoteliers who always wanted to uplift the hotel industry of the country.

“Shrestha made significant contribution to uplift the hotel industry of Nepal during his lifetime. He often used to give his valuable suggestions regarding hotel sector and sought updates in this sector even after he had become bed-ridden due to his illness,” Shakya said.

Opining that Shrestha’s demise is ‘a huge loss to Nepal’s hotel industry’, Shakya said that every stakeholder of the hotel industry should work to uplift and promote Nepal’s hotel industry as envisioned by late Shrestha.

Shrestha is survived by his wife and three daughters.