A flood of bad news leaves Nepal’s tourist hubs eerily quiet
Summary
Flood-related cancellations and negative travel reports have left Nepal’s major tourist hubs in Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini nearly empty during the peak autumn season. Hotels and tourism operators are urging the government to reassure foreign visitors that most destinations remain safe and accessible.
Key Points
- Hotels in Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are seeing mass cancellations after the Bhotekoshi flood and damaging reports about Nepal's safety.
- Sauraha in Chitwan says hotel occupancy has fallen below 5 percent, while some hotels have lost 40 to 80 percent of bookings.
- Tourism operators say road damage, higher airfares and misleading travel advisories are hurting both domestic and foreign arrivals.
- The Lumbini Development Trust says Lumbini and nearby destinations remain safe and open, and has called for stronger international communication.
