Nepal’s Tourism Set to Bounce Back Despite Recent Protests

Experts and industry leaders are confident that Nepal’s tourism sector will recover quickly after being hit by recent Gen-Z protests, which caused damages estimated at over Rs 25 billion. Dozens of hotels and tourism infrastructure in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, and Biratnagar were affected, with the Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu alone losing more than Rs 8 billion, according to the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN).

Former Finance Secretary Rameshwar Khanal noted that key tourist markets like India and China remain intact, and trekking, pilgrimage, and adventure tourism continue, giving hope for a rapid rebound. Economist Dr. Samir Khatri added that Nepal has historically recovered quickly from crises like earthquakes and the pandemic.

The Nepal Tourism Board is preparing a recovery plan in consultation with stakeholders. CEO Deepak Raj Joshi confirmed that safety measures are in place for the roughly 15,000 foreign tourists currently in Nepal.

Official statistics show that tourism dropped to 25,500 visitors in September 2025, down from 88,680 in August, but figures remain strong compared to pre-pandemic years. Hotel Association president Binayak Shah stressed the importance of sending a positive message abroad, while associations like PATA Nepal and local trekking groups urged peace and a tourism-friendly environment.

Despite the recent setbacks, stakeholders are united in their view: Nepal’s tourism sector will weather this storm and recover stronger than before, attracting visitors from around the world.