Kathmandu– During this week’s youth and student-led protests, at least 24 hotels across Nepal suffered damage, including vandalism, arson, and looting, according to the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN).
The association estimates that Kathmandu’s Hilton Hotel alone sustained over NPR 800 million in losses, with total damages across the country likely reaching NPR 2.5 billion. HAN has urged the government to investigate the damages, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide a financial package for repair and reconstruction.
According to HAN, hotels in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Jhapa, Morang, Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, Mahottari, Dang, Tulsipur, and other regions were heavily affected. Both domestic and international hotel brands faced vandalism, arson, and looting during the protests.
In Kathmandu, the five-star Hilton and Hyatt Hotels were among those targeted, while Dang’s Mala Inn also faced destruction and fire. HAN is still compiling a comprehensive list of damages across the country.
The association warned that without repairs and reconstruction, these hotels cannot resume operations, directly affecting the livelihoods of over 2,000 staff members, especially during the festive season. They also noted that hotels currently unable to operate may struggle to meet financial obligations, including bank and other institutional payments.
HAN emphasized that while the protests were driven by youth striving for good governance and fundamental change, the resulting destruction has caused painful losses to privately-owned hotels, including public limited companies with public investments. They called for a thorough investigation by a powerful, authorized judicial committee, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable with appropriate compensation, and that the government provides financial support to restore investor confidence.
The association concluded by urging that tourism development and economic stability continue alongside the country’s transition into a transformative new era.
