KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Nepal Chambers of Commerce, Hotel Association Nepal, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal, PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Association of Tour Operators, Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal, Nepal Association of Rafting Agents, Himalayan Rescue Association and Tourist Guides of Nepal, in a joint statement opposed the closure of hotels and lodges in Chitwan National Park (CNP). They said CNP has played a vital role in establishing Chitwan as a top tourist destination. Hotels and lodges at CNP are also working for preservation of wildlife of the region.

The closure of lodges and restaurant will lower tourist arrival by 15 per cent, said tourism entrepreneurs. They also asked for justification of the closure.

They said that they met Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MOTCA) Sharad Singh Bhandari and that both gave assurances of reopening the closed hotels and lodges. Due to the closure, the schedule of tour packages has gone awry. Bookings have already been made till 2012.

More than 1500 people directly and 5000 people indirectly are employed in this sector at Chitwan.