Nepalese economy depends a lot on tourism both in terms of foreign exchange income and job creation. From the Official website of Nepal Tourism Board, I came to know that in March 2006, 25,553 visitors came to Nepal by Air from different countries. I know that many people from India and Bangladesh go to Nepal by road. Thamel district in the capital Katmandu is a popular place among the tourists and the good restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, hotels and travel agencies are concentrated in this area. Until now, Thamel did not have any significant demonstration but today it changed too. Many people came out in the streets to protest against the King. The tourists were spectators as employees of hotels and travel agencies marched through the streets and engaged into clash with the police.
Many tourists have started to feel insecure and would love to end their visit and go back to their own country. This will only make the matter worse for the country's tourism sector. If the current political crisis does not end soon then the damage done to the tourism sector of Nepal may have a long term devastating effect. The only thing to get some consolation is the fact that until now the tourists have come under attack or no serious damage has been done to the infrastructures related to tourism.
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Nepal looks like a great place for an exotic travel adventure. Just head straight to Mount Everest. Katmandu, the capital is running low on fresh food and fuel because a general strike has shut down the city. - from the Seattle Times. The opposition ... [Read More]
Tracked on: April 17, 2006 10:59 AM | Permalink to Trackback