Pandemic, Plane Crash and Pokhara

As the second peak season in the tourism sector kicks off, entrepreneurs in the Pokhara region of Nepal are feeling discouraged by lower-than-expected bookings. According to them, this year the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the pace of tourist arrivals, resulting in weaker numbers compared to previous years. The advance bookings for hotels in the area are currently less than 50 percent, which is much lower than the 70 percent that is typical at this time of year. The current occupancy rate of hotels in Pokhara is only 20 percent, which is much lower than the typical rate of 50 percent. The slow pace of advance bookings has been ongoing since the pandemic began, and it is causing concern among tourism entrepreneurs.

Regional hotel organizations like the Paschimanchal Hotel Association Pokhara say there is weak demand for advance bookings from tourists coming for trekking. Entrepreneurs in the area would find relief if Chinese guests could visit, but they have not been permitted to enter Nepal since the Covid-19 pandemic began. In fact, the Chinese government has not even included Nepal in the travel destination list for its citizens. This has clearly affected the Chinese arrivals. Also, although this is the main season for trekking, the number of tourists has not increased, and this is disappointing the entrepreneurs.

Tourism in the country, particularly in Pokhara, is being hindered by a significant factor: the recent plane crash. According to tourism entrepreneurs, business has declined rapidly since the incident. The crash attracted international media attention, creating concerns about Nepal's aviation sector. As a result, the tourism sector has suffered, and the image of Pokhara has been negatively impacted, leading to a decrease in the arrival of foreign tourists.

The crash has not only affected the arrival of foreign tourists, but domestic and Indian guests have also been affected. The way the international media covered the accident has raised concerns about the aviation sector of Nepal, damaging the country's image and reputation. However, it is important to remember that accidents, even air accidents, can happen anywhere, and this incident should not be taken as an indication of the overall safety of domestic aviation in Nepal.

It is important to approach this issue with a balanced perspective. While it is true that the crash in Pokhara is a tragedy, it is also important to note that Nepal has been consistently trying to improve its safety record in aviation overall. In recent years, there have been efforts to improve safety standards and oversight. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has been working to implement new safety measures and improve training for pilots and other aviation personnel. Nepal’s aviation industry still faces some challenges but there has been progress in improving safety. Also, it is worth noting that flying is still generally considered to be a very safe form of transportation, and the vast majority of flights to and from Nepal operate without incident.

The ‘exaggerated’ coverage by international media has added to the damage caused by the incident. It is important for the media to report on accidents, but it is equally important to report on the efforts being made by the aviation industry in Nepal to ensure safety. For example, the CAAN has been taking steps to improve safety standards and has been working with airlines to ensure compliance. These efforts should be acknowledged and reported on to provide a balanced view of the situation.

The impact of the incident has also been felt by the people of Pokhara. The city relies heavily on tourism, and the decrease in the arrival of foreign tourists has had a negative impact on the local economy. It is important for the government to support the city and its people during this difficult time. The government should also work to address concerns raised by international visitors and assure them of the safety measures in place.

To attract more tourists to the area, the government and private sector need to ramp up their marketing efforts. From social media campaigns to advertising, the region needs to be promoted as a must-visit destination. Additionally, tourism entrepreneurs can entice visitors with attractive packages that include discounts on accommodation, food, and activities. These packages should be promoted through various channels to encourage more bookings.

By taking these steps to enhance the traveler's experience, while also prioritizing aviation safety, Pokhara can reclaim the title of a must-visit destination in Nepal for adventurers and explorers alike, where the thrills of the journey are matched only by the assurance of a secure and protected passage!