Today is World Tourism Day. Normally, Nepal would celebrate this day with celebration, because tourism is not only the identity of our country, but also the backbone of the economy. But this year, celebrating Tourism Day is more painful than exciting. The reason is that the recent protests and instability have caused the biggest damage to the tourism and business sectors.
The wounds of movement and chaos

Political movements in Nepal are not new, but the recent chaotic protests have caused great damage.
Tourists started to be afraid to come to Nepal,
If the booking is cancelled,
Hotels and restaurants are deserted,
visit visas are tightened
The livelihoods of millions of families were in crisis.
The most tragic scene was the arson, vandalism, and terrorizing of businesses in hotels. From large hotels like Hilton and Hyatt to medium and small hotels-guesthouses, homestays, and trekking camps, everyone was affected. This destroyed Nepal's international image.
Tourists considered Nepal not only an adventure destination but also a peaceful country. But where would they feel safe when news of hotels burning down and businesses collapsing became international news?

Obligation to celebrate Tourism Day, but heart heavy
Organizations like the Nepal Tourism Board, the Hotel Association, and the Travel Agency Association are organizing various programs today. Stages are decorated, speeches are being made, posters are being put up. But the reality behind all that glitter is very different.
Hotel owners are starting to fall into foreclosure due to inability to pay their debts,
Guides, drivers, porters have lost their jobs,
Airline agents have come to a point where they are closing down their businesses,

Homestays in villages have become deserted.
Many people find it false to say Happy Tourism Day at a time like this. Yes, the day should be celebrated internationally, but Nepal's tourism entrepreneurs are internally frustrated.
The role of tourism in Nepal's economy
Tourism is not just about the hotel business. It creates thousands of jobs. The lives of guides, trekking porters, mountaineering guides, taxi drivers, airport staff, travel agencies, handicraft traders, homestay operators, and restaurant owners are all connected to it.
It is estimated that tourism contributes about 8-10% to Nepal's GDP.
Millions of jobs are created directly and indirectly.
A large portion of foreign exchange depends on tourism.
But now all of these are in danger and crisis.

What to do now?

Tourism will not pick up in Nepal until the protests and instability are stopped. But simply stopping the protests is not enough, bigger steps need to be taken.

Security and Trust: It is important to send the message to the world that Nepal is safe.
International publicity: A positive campaign should be run on international media such as CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera.
Digital Promotion: Tourism should be promoted using the younger generation on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Relief for the hotel business: Hotel businesses that have suffered losses in the protests need tax breaks, debt restructuring, and relief packages.
Revitalization at the local level: Support should be provided to reactivate homestays, village tourism, and cultural festivals.

Conclusion: A day of tourism with a heavy heart
This year's Tourism Day is not a celebration for Nepal, but a day of introspection. Protests and chaos have killed tourism, turning the dreams of businessmen into ashes. But we cannot remain despondent.
Nepal's mountains, culture, traditions, and hospitality are still some of the world's greatest attractions. But to preserve all of these, peace, stability, and a business-friendly environment are necessary.
Today we can say Happy Tourism Day, but with that word comes a heavy heart—"Happy Tourism Day, but please let's not burn down hotels, let's not destroy businesses. Instead, let's work together to make Nepal a tourist destination again."

– Madhav Kumar Kandel (Tourism Entrepreneur)