Hoteliers said February, March and April look positive both in terms of revenue and booking. Estimating it to be in the range of 15 percent, they said the growth is significant. [break]
The Everest Hotel is expecting 10-15 percent growth in occupancy and a proportionate growth in revenue. Amir K. Pradhananga, sales and marketing director of the hotel, said growth in business from China is highest. "The growth is natural but can´t rule out a positive impact of NTY campaign," Pradhanaga told Republica. He further said the growth in tourism business is also because of increasing tourist activities, which were earlier limited to only trekking and sight-seeing.
Surendra C. Thakuri , associate director, sales and marketing at Hotel Yak and Yeti, said February is looking more promising in terms of revenue compared to the previous year. The hotel´s book value occupancy forecast for February is 56 percent and for March and April 72 and 68 percent respectively.
The growth is more significant in FITs (Free Independent Travelers) who hoteliers said are paying better tariff compared to those traveling in groups and handled by travel agents.
Gokarana Forest Resort and Spa has forecast the growth for the season at 20 percent in revenue and 5-7 percent in occupancy. The resort, which added 25 rooms in September 2011, has received 70 percent booking for February and has forecast to close March and April at 70 and 80 percent respectively.
"The number of Chinese travelers and FITs from different countries has gone up," Kausha K. Singh, Director, Sales and Marketing at Gokarna Forest Resort, said.
Karuna Manandhar, public relations executive at Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu, said occupancy in January was 75 percent. "Occupancy for next two months will be 75-80 percent which is better than last year," she added.
Hoteliers said NTY campaign, which promoted Nepal as a safe destination to visit, helped the growth. Revenue Manager at Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Sagar Chandra Bantawa Rai, said the hotel is expecting a positive growth. "The booking for March has increased by 5 percent compared to same month last year," said Rai. He said the growth will depend on political stability in Nepal and economic stability in the eurozone as European market still accounts for a a huge chunk of tourist arrivals.
Data provided by the Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport, shows the tourist arrivals to Nepal increased by 27.7 percent in January with total arrivals at 42,031. Chinese segment saw highest growth at 107 percent, meaning 6,631 Chinese tourists came to Nepal in January 2012.
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