November 23: Hoteliers say that there has been an increase in the number of new hotels recently, but the arrival of guests is not in the same proportion. As a result, the hoteliers are running their business in loss.

They claim that despite the increase in arrival of tourists and tourism-related activities, the hotel business is operating at one-third of its capacity.

President of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Binayak Shah said that the hotel business has been operating at a loss as the supply is greater than the demand.

He said this during a meeting with the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kiranti. Shah added that foreign tourists are longing to visit Nepal and inquiries are increasing, however, the tourists who intend to visit Nepal go elsewhere due to the difficulties in roads transportation and air connectivity in the country.

He said that the state should pay attention to these aspects as soon as possible, adding that if only the road network connecting neighbouring countries China and India can be prepared, the arrival of tourists will further increase.

HAN also emphasized making the Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Airlines Corporation active in promoting the country's tourism in the international level.

On the occasion, Minister Kiranti said that the arrival of tourists is satisfactory. Stating that a good message has been conveyed about Nepal in the international level, he emphasized that tourism should be made viable to make the country prosperous. He said that the air network will also be expanded and initiatives are being taken in this regard. He said that a committee has been formed under the leadership of the prime minister to improve the country's economy.

Tourism entrepreneurs have requested the government to simplify the country's tourism policy and make it investment-friendly and tourism-friendly. The businessman also emphasized that the casino regulations, which are currently under revision, should be made systematic and effective to facilitate the operation of the casinos.