The tourism industry in Nepal is grappling with a huge setback after the floods have destroyed roads, had people cancel their plans, and left thousands of seasonal workers without an income.
For Pushpraj Rimal, the month of September is usually a very busy and profitable time. A 42-year-old tour guide and taxi driver living in Kathmandu, Rimal typically looks forward to a flow of international tourists at the end of the rainy season. This year, however, the cancellations have taken the place of the reservations.
Rimal works on a commission basis for hotels and tourism companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara, a beautiful city which is closely connected to the Annapurna mountainous region. He rented two cars, hoping for more clients, but he eventually ended up getting only 25 per cent of his usual earnings. In Rimal’s case, the consequences of the tourism collapse go far beyond transport: fewer tourists indoors imply fewer commissions from tourism and accommodation companies.
Financial strain has also impacted Rimal’s family. He had assured his two children, 14-year-old Hema and 12-year-old Rahul, about getting them new tablets for Dashain in October, but due to loss of his income, he fears he will not be able to keep his promise.
Tourism plays a big role in the economy of Nepal as it accounts for around 8 percent of GDP and creates 1 million jobs. In 2021, Nepal attracted more than 1.15 million tourists and nearly a third of them visited Nepal during the period September-November.
This year’s floods disrupted this important tourism season. Major roads were destroyed in the flooding and landslides and traffic had difficulties reaching places, even those that were not much damaged.
Sixty-one-year-old Seeta Nepali and her husband,68-year-old Ramakant, have suffered. The couple sells homemade buttermilk and cheese along the roads between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
“We could not make a single penny in 11 days after the floods as the road was cutoff,” said Seeta. Even when the road reopened, the restrictions kept traffic at a minimum, and they could only make a fraction (about 25%) of their normal income.
International travelers have also been making necessary changes to their travel plans. Alexa, a tourist from Great Britain who was with a group of five friends, had planned a trip to Pokhara and Dhulikhel but canceled all hotel reservations, as well as transportation, trekking, and camping bookings because of the disaster.
In the same way, a Japanese traveler decided traveling with family was too risky considering the present situation. Others like Kumar from India, on the other hand, came up with a compromise; he canceled his trip to Pokhara but extended his stay in Kathmandu instead.
Some Nepalese government representatives argue that the country as a whole should not be classified as a dangerous destination. Surendra Thapa, Nepal’s diplomat in New Delhi, indicated that travelers need to realize that there are only certain places that must be avoided.
On the other hand, both the Embassy of the UK and the US state that some regions are unsafe due to flooding.
The situation already looks grim for small businesses. Seeta still takes her buttermilk to the street daily, waiting for customers who do not show up.
