After working for five years in Japan, Gurung returned home in 2008 to open a hotel in Dhampus. He has managed to provide high quality services and does not worry much even when hoteliers in the area complain of slackness.[break]
His hotel, Sakura, is a major attraction for Japanese tourists. The hotel is friendly with the Japanese language, culture and customs. Gurung says his knowledge on Japanese culture has helped him attract a majority of Japanese tourists.
“Japanese are very proud of their religion and nationality. And I have left no stone unturned to ensure that they feel at home in my hotel,” Gurung told Republica. “It makes the Japanese tourists happy when they see their traditional dishes being served in a hotel in this remote area of Dhampus. Their happiness has worked miracles for me,” he adds.
In Japan, he worked in various hotels and restaurants. “Exposure to overseas work culture has made be realize “no work is big or small”. A work is just a work,” says Gurung.
Gurung is deeply touched by the work culture and dedication of Japanese people toward their work. “If all our people labored as they do, I have no doubt our life will be more prosperous,” Gurung says.
During the Maoist insurgency, when it became difficult to work in Dhampus, Gurung migrated to Pokhara, renting his house to an hotelier. After Maoist joined the peace process, he returned home and started the hotel in his own house.
He invested Rs 700,000 to open and operate Sakura. As the business grew, his wife Heeta Gurung extended a helping hand. As Gurung is very particular about maintaining the quality of services, she works round the clock, supporting him. He has also employed others.
“People think they should migrate to earn money. That is not true. But such perception has created a dearth of manpower in remote areas,” said Gurung.
Gurung serves his guests from early in the morning. When all the rooms are occupied, Heeta says they do not even get time to have their meal. “I still feel glad because we are together again and are living in our native place,” she smiles.
When Gurung was in Japan, Heeta lived in the Pokhara doing nothing. “Now our whole family is together and we working together, supporting each other,” she says.
Gurung said he planning to invest more to provide the better services. Presently, the hotel can accommodate 27 people.
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