CHITWAN – Tourism entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in Chitwan have decided to launch the ‘Visit Sauraha’ campaign in order to revive the tourism industry that had for long been dented by the Covid-19 pandemic. The District Coordination Committee, Ratnanagar Municipality, Regional Hotel Association Sauracha chapter are jointly launching the campaign, giving a message that ‘Sauraha is safe’.
Tourism entrepreneurs are all set to work in coordination for the campaign. They will reach all seven provinces and make people aware that Sauraha is safe.
They began reopening hotels and restaurants since the Tourism Day. Chairman of Regional Hotel Association Sauraha chapter Dipak Bhattarai said although they had planned to launch the campaign before the Dashain festival, it was delayed because of Covid-19. He informed that people from various cities across the country will be invited to visit Sauraha. One of the major tourist hubs in the country, Sauraha has seen a scant arrival of tourists in the recent days.
“We had expected that Sauraha would see tourists’ arrival during Dashain and Tihar but it was in vain. We’re prepared to ensure safety to tourists by adhering to the health protocols. However, there are very few tourists here,” Bhattarai shared.
The arrival of tourists is only 5 to 7 percent now. The severe decline in tourism activities has resulted in unemployment and closure of businesses, according to him.
In normal times, it is the peak season for tourism in Sauraha. Hotels would be packed, and entrepreneurs busy on welcoming and guiding tourists in the Chitwan National Park.
Now, the hoteliers have announced a discount of 25 to 30 percent as a Covid package.
Comparatively, restaurants attract more tourists. Of the total tourists, restaurants occupy around 30 percent, said Chairman of Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal in Sauraha, Dipendra Khatiwada.
