With an experience exceeding two decades in the tourism industry, Binaya Neupane is currently engaged as the Managing Director at Into the Wild Eco Resort, Chitwan. He was recently elected as the president of Goethe Zentrum, Kathmandu, and is the Vice president at Hotel Association Nepal, HAN Chitwan Western chapter Kasara sector. Additionally, Neupane also works as the Trip Leader for German-speaking clients at the Munich based Hauser Exkursionen International. 

In an interview with My City, Neupane shared his experiences and setbacks of his professional journey.

How has your experience in tourism been so far?

My 20-year experience has made it convenient for me to understand the preferences and thought process of the guest. I’ve been able to cater to their needs accordingly. To sum it all, it has been challenging, interesting and enjoyable at the same time. 

In what ways is Into the Wild Eco Resort serving its clients? 

People generally visit Chitwan for a peace of mind and to experience nature in its purest form.  However, in the last few years, Chitwan has been losing its charm mainly because of the exceeding rise in the number of visitors. Citing the concurrent problem, guests, and travel agencies are shifting towards the Kasara area. In Kasara, we provide a natural escape to the visitors. 

While most resorts provide package tours, we offer customized programs per the interest of our guests. They are not obliged to take activities that do not fall in their area of interest.  For instance, currently, elephant safari has been a topic of controversy, and the animal rights activists are denouncing it. We have tried to discourage elephant rides, and offered alternatives such as jeep safari or jungle hikes.  

What are the hurdles in Chitwan’s hospitality market?

The unhealthy competition, unimplemented government policy, and uninformed rise in taxes and fees are the biggest challenges.  We plan our budget and costing at least for a year in advance and send our costing accordingly to the local and international market. The government has the tendency to increase fees and costs with no warning or pre-information. Similarly, the park rules also change unexpectedly. Due to these problems, we see the necessity of establishing a separate wing in the National Office. 

What are the adverse practices prevalent in the tourism business?

People are involved in unhealthy competitions. The practice of reducing the costs to establish their prominence in the market is on the rise. This is a short-term solution to attract business, but in the long run, this practice will affect the economy of the entire country. 

What steps can be taken to boost Nepal’s overall tourism?

I think it is important to introduce a feasible environment that provides ample opportunities to qualified, hardworking and sincere individuals, allowing them to work in their respective sectors. Embracing new trends and being open for positive changes can also help to enhance tourism. Tourism defines our hospitality, therefore it is crucial that we make plans in advance and bring forth proper guidelines. We should also ensure service in par with their monetary value. If we are getting financial benefits, we should provide services accordingly.