POKHARA, Sept 28: The Hotel Association Pokhara has urged both domestic and international tourists to continue visiting the city, assuring that despite the Gen-Z movement, Pokhara remains safe and fully capable of hosting guests.
Hotel Association President Laxman Subedi said in a statement that although a few hotels sustained damage during the Gen Z unrest, most tourist infrastructure remains intact and operational. “Pokhara has 1,200 hotels with 40,000 beds and hundreds of restaurants ready to serve guests. Visitors will face no problems with food or accommodation,” he noted.
Municipalities without facilities
While the protests have hit tourism during peak season, hoteliers and entrepreneurs expressed optimism that business will gradually recover. Many establishments are also offering discounts to attract visitors.
Currently, hotel occupancy in Pokhara hovers around 25 percent. Bharat Raj Parajuli, a central member of the association, said road access has improved and reaching Pokhara is no longer difficult.
Entrepreneurs admitted that although foreign tourists had made advance bookings for the season, many have since canceled, with some cancellations extending through November. Industry leaders now see domestic visitors as the key to sustaining tourism during this challenging period.
Former Chairman of Pokhara Tourism Council Pomanarayan Shrestha stressed, “If we can immediately draw domestic tourists, the industry can be saved. Even with reduced room rates, keeping hotels occupied will help us survive.”
-1200x560-1764836409.webp)
