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POKHARA, Aug 10: A group of tourism entrepreneurs from Pokhara recently visited Bhutan. During their visit, the Bhutanese businessmen expressed concern about the recent air accidents in Nepal. The repeated air accidents have led to complaints from stakeholders in Bhutan, who believe that Nepal’s aviation sector is becoming increasingly unsafe.
Tourism entrepreneurs are concerned about the long-term impact on the tourism sector following two major air accidents that shocked the entire country within a two-week period. Among the accidents, one involved a helicopter with four Chinese nationals on board. Business owners believe that the message of tourists being involved in a helicopter crash while visiting Nepal has further harmed the tourism industry.
According to tourism entrepreneurs, foreign visitors have also expressed concern about Nepal's aviation sector following the recent accidents. "There are concerns in the international market regarding Nepal's aviation sector. We heard similar concerns and worries in Bhutan as well," said Krishna Prasad Acharya, first vice president of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), Gandaki chapter. "During our trip, Bhutanese entrepreneurs expressed their worries about the frequent air accidents in Nepal. They perceive these repeated incidents as a message that Nepal's aviation sector is unsafe," said Acharya.
Tourism entrepreneurs have reported that not only Bhutanese but also citizens from other countries have expressed concerns about Nepal's aviation sector. "There is a question in the international market about whether Nepal's aviation is truly unsafe," Acharya said. "The concern is natural, especially after tourists have been involved in accidents. Repeated accidents have created a situation in which tourists may be deterred from coming to Nepal.”
When will it end?
He said that the recent accidents have further added a blow to Nepal’s tourism sector, especially since the previous aviation accident in Pokhara still remains fresh in memory. The repeated aviation accidents have spread the message internationally that Nepal’s aviation sector is unsafe, which poses a risk of negatively impacting the upcoming tourist season.
"After the recent accidents, tourists have not canceled their travels, but they have become apprehensive. The perception that Nepal’s aviation sector is unsafe might make visitors hesitant," Acharya stated.
According to another tourism entrepreneur, there has been a shift in perception of Nepal among Chinese visitors following the helicopter accident involving Chinese nationals. Chinese tourists have become more cautious after their citizens lost their lives in the aviation accident.
"The Chinese tourism market is sensitive to even minor incidents. The loss of their citizens in the helicopter crash has made the Chinese market particularly apprehensive," the tourism entrepreneur said. "The message that Nepal's aviation sector is entirely unsafe has spread, which could further impact the arrival of Chinese tourists in the future," the tourism entrepreneur mentioned.
According to tourism entrepreneurs, Chinese visitors are more sensitive compared to others. Korean and Japanese visitors are also notably sensitive. "The internal network of Chinese tourists is so strong that any incident can easily affect them," they said. Unfortunate events in the aviation sports sector in Pokhara previously had a significant impact. Even minor incidents can alarm the Chinese market.
Chinese tourists generally do not prefer long-distance trekking. However, they are interested in activities like paragliding, ultralight flying, and helicopter tours in the skies of Pokhara.
"Chinese tourists travel by helicopter. After the recent helicopter accident involving Chinese nationals, they have become concerned that Nepal's aviation sector is unsafe," the tourism entrepreneur said. "They have started to perceive that Nepal's aviation is indeed unsafe. The tourism sector has been impacted by the fallout from these accidents," the tourism entrepreneur added.
Acharya stated that Chinese tourists have been particularly hesitant following the recent aviation accidents. "The Muglin–Narayanghat bus accident made Indian tourists apprehensive. However, aviation accidents have had a greater impact on Chinese tourists," he said.
Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC)’s Chairman Pom Narayana Shrestha also acknowledged international concerns regarding the frequent aviation accidents. "Some recent incidents in Nepal have impacted tourism business," Shrestha said.
“Events that raise questions about Nepal's aviation sector at the start of the tourist season could lead to widespread distrust in the country's entire airspace,” he said. The government needs to address this issue promptly. It should send a clear message internationally that it is taking appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
