CHITWAN, Feb 20: In previous years, hotels in Sauraha used to be around 80 percent occupied at this time. This year, only about half that number of tourists have arrived. The lack of visitors during the peak season has left entrepreneurs disappointed.
Om Prakash Pandey, president of the Regional Hotel Association (RHA) Chitwan, said that February, March, and April are the main tourist season for Sauraha. He stated that while around 80 percent of hotel rooms used to be occupied during this period last year, this year less than 50 percent of rooms have been booked.
President Pandey said, “We are puzzled as to why tourists have not come even during such an excellent tourist season.” At this time of year, grass is cleared in Chitwan National Park, making it easier to spot wildlife from a distance. The weather is also neither too hot nor too cold, making it suitable for everyone. Despite favorable conditions in every respect, the low arrival of foreign tourists has affected businesses, he said. According to him, the situation is similar not only in Sauraha but across the country. “We need to find out the reasons behind the decline in tourist arrivals,” he added.
Flood wreaks havoc in Sauraha
RHA Vice President Gunraj Thapaliya said that the upcoming election has discouraged foreign tourists from visiting, leading to a decrease in tourist numbers in Sauraha. He expressed hope that tourist arrivals would increase after the election.
Hotel entrepreneur Suman Ghimire also said that tourist arrivals have declined as the election approaches. Mentioning that the election is being held under special circumstances, he emphasized the need to send a message to the international community that the situation here remains peaceful.
Dipendra Khatiwada, Chairman of the United Elephant Operation Cooperative, said that elephants that used to make four safari trips daily at this time last year are now making only one. With the drop in tourist arrivals, operators of commercially raised elephants have been affected. According to Khatiwada, who is also a restaurant entrepreneur, restaurants in Sauraha have also been directly impacted. He said that the decline in tourists during the peak season has affected all businesses involved in tourism activities.
Prakash Neupane, general manager of Banbas Resort, said that although sufficient tourists usually visit Sauraha during this season, numbers have declined this year. With long experience in the hotel sector, he remains optimistic about future arrivals.
There are 148 hotels in Sauraha with a capacity to accommodate 7,200 tourists. Around 6,400 people are directly employed in the area, while more than 12,000 receive indirect employment. Domestic and foreign tourists visit to see rare wildlife such as the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and gharial crocodile in Chitwan National Park and surrounding community forests.
In addition, Tharu culture is an attraction for visitors in Sauraha. Various organizations from across Nepal also hold programs in Sauraha, while Indian nationals visit in significant numbers. (RSS)
