Pokhara hotels offer 50 percent off for domestic tourists

Published On: December 16, 2020 01:35 PM NPT By: Santosh Pokharel

POKHARA, Dec 16: As COVID-19 has hit the tourism industry hard, hotel entrepreneurs of Pokhara have decided to provide as much as 50 percent off on room rates for domestic tourists.

Tourism entrepreneurs have said that the offer has been launched to attract domestic tourists into the city. According to them, the offer will be valid for domestic tourists until the pandemic remains. Bharat Parajuli, central member of Hotel Association informed that rooms will be available on 50 percent discount.

The working committee of the Association made the decision to this effect.

He said 50 percent will be waived on the rate issued by the hotels in Pokhara. “Prior to this, domestic tourists used to bargain for discounts but now 50 percent flat discount will be provided to them,” he said. “Domestic tourists will be able to enjoy the offer.” Hoteliers will quote the discounted price upon first enquiry. He said hotel entrepreneurs are trying to recover with the help of domestic tourists.

According to entrepreneurs, domestic tourists used to account for 40 percent occupancy all year long in Pokhara before the pandemic.

Bikal Tulachan, president at Pashchimanchal Hotel Association said that the offer can attract domestic tourists. The offer will be valid for domestic tourists only. “There is no chance of recovering as international tourists are unlikely to make up for the loss because of which domestic tourists will be of huge help at times like these,” he said. “We are hopeful that the offer will contribute to the increase in number of tourists.”

Tulachan said hotels, including five-star hotels, in Pokhara have come up with the package for domestic tourists. The packages will be inclusive of 50 percent off. “It is a move to welcome more visitors into the city,” he told Republica, adding, “the offer will be made available until the situation becomes normal again.”

“The offer will not bring profit to entrepreneurs, it is an attempt to revive the business,” he said. Tourism entrepreneurs say that the city sees most tourists during the weekend. Recently, some tourists have started visiting Pokhara. There are around 700 hotels in operation in the city.