Two-day weekend boosts tourism across hill stations
Summary
The government's two-day weekend has boosted domestic tourism across hill stations, resorts and destinations around Kathmandu, filling hotels and increasing weekend travel by Nepali families. Hotel operators say the policy has helped shift tourism demand away from foreign visitors and toward local travelers.
Key Points
- The two-day weekend introduced by the government has significantly increased domestic tourism in hill stations, resorts and weekend destinations near Kathmandu.
- Hotel Association Nepal says Nepali customers now make up a large share of restaurant and hotel business, especially in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Destinations such as Dhulikhel, Nagarkot, Bandipur, Gorkha and Nuwakot are seeing stronger weekend traffic, though floods and road delays have disrupted some areas.
- Tourism entrepreneurs say the policy is helping build a stronger travel culture and could grow further with better road infrastructure and travel incentives.
