Following the devastating flood on September 26, widely shared videos across social media platforms have raised concerns about negative perceptions among potential tourists considering visiting Nepal. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has initiated collaborative efforts with stakeholders to address misconceptions that Nepal’s entire tourism sector is at risk due to damages localized within limited areas of the country. Tourism experts have emphasized that major tourist destinations remain safe, though ensuring good road accessibility is essential. Travel industry professionals have also called for immediate government intervention to resolve disruptions on the key Prithvi Highway connecting Kathmandu to other parts of Nepal.
The Rasuwa-Trishuli flood has resulted in at least 1,300 fatalities and more than 5,000 individuals missing. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 587 tourists have been affected. Tourists from countries including India, the UK, the US, and various European nations are among those impacted, which has intensified concerns about discouraging future visitors. The tourism sector, which traditionally sees peak bookings from September through November, has already seen a significant volume of reservations. However, as per Sagar Pandey, president of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), the floods along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers are beginning to exert immediate effects.
“While the precise impact is yet to be quantified, our survey shows that about 70% of pilgrims scheduled for Kailash journeys in September have canceled their plans. Cancellations in other regions have also increased, suggesting an overall decline of approximately 30-40%,” explained TAAN President Pandey. He further noted that the blockage on the Prithvi Highway following the Trishuli floods has disrupted supply chains, contributing to an uptick in trip cancellations. Nevertheless, with rainfall expected to decrease by October and reduced risks of further flooding and landslides, the sector anticipates no major long-term adverse impact.
Former CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Joshi, outlined the dual impact of the floods on tourism: physical damage and damage to the sector’s reputation. “Discussions with hotel associations and tour operators reveal damage to roughly 142 hotels, nearly 60 restaurants, and approximately 150 transportation vehicles. Additionally, about 200 personnel active in tourism are currently unaccounted for,” Joshi stated. Meanwhile, many social media influencers and users are actively promoting visits to Nepal, widely sharing footage that encourages travel despite recent events.
