CHITWAN, June 26: The first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is estimated to have generated more than Rs 500 million in economic activity in Chitwan and surrounding areas.
For nearly a week, delegates, observers and supporters from across the country filled hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations throughout the district, boosting local businesses.
The convention, which opened on Sunday, concludes on Friday. Delegates and observers had started arriving from Saturday, leading to hotels filling up even before the official inauguration.
According to Rajan Gautam, coordinator of the convention's accommodation and food management subcommittee, the event generated business worth more than Rs 500 million during the week.
Special general convention of the party will be held after elec...
Gautam, a former president of the Chitwan Chamber of Industry and Commerce, estimated that delegates, observers and supporters alone spent nearly Rs 200 million on accommodation. He said that as many as 20,000 people stayed in Chitwan on the busiest day of the convention.
He said a large number of RSP supporters arrived in the district for the opening ceremony and the following day, with attendance gradually declining thereafter. The direct economic benefits, he said, were felt mainly in Bharatpur.
According to Gautam, delegates stayed not only in hotels in Bharatpur but also in Sauraha and other eastern parts of Chitwan, as well as in hotels in Gaindakot of Nawalparasi. Delegates were responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation, while the party provided meals for four days.
He said delegates covered the cost of meals before and after the party's meal arrangements, as well as any additional meals of their choice. The party itself is estimated to have spent more than Rs 40 million during the convention, while businesses across various sectors benefited from the week-long event.
Anil Thapa, chief of the Chitwan District Traffic Police Office, said around 2,200 small and large vehicles entered the district from outside during the convention.
Rajendra Oli, senior vice-president of the Chitwan Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said the district remained economically active for nearly a week. He noted that full occupancy in hotels and restaurants created business opportunities for many other sectors.
He said demand increased significantly for agricultural products such as dairy items, fish, meat, eggs and fruits. "The biggest impact has been on Bharatpur's local economy," he said.
Om Pandey, president of the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, said hotels in Bharatpur enjoyed strong business during the convention, followed by hotels in Sauraha and nearby tourist areas.
He added that many RSP leaders and supporters visiting Chitwan for the first time also had the opportunity to explore the district's tourist destinations.
