KATHMANDU: Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) and Resta-urant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBON), in a joint press statement have expressed serious concern over the closure of hotels and lodges at Chitwan National Park.

According to the release, the closure of hotels and lodges there will directly affect the tourism sector at the place and hence affect the preservation of wildlife. According to the organisations, it will also increase unemployment and have an adverse impact on Nepal Tourism Year 2011 as well.