Stakeholders pledge collective effort to address hotel sector challenges in Kailali

Dhangadhi: Stakeholders in Kailali’s hotel industry have expressed a collective commitment to resolve the sector’s ongoing challenges. The pledge came during a debate on ‘Hotel Industry in the Far West: Investment, Problems and Labor,’ part of the fifth series of the ‘Vision Sudurpaschim’ program under the ongoing Sudurpaschim Festival, organized by the Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The program was attended by Kailali Chief District Officer Hiralal Regmi, Hotel Entrepreneurs Association Kailali President Keshav Dutta Pandey, Association of Hospitality Training Institutes Kailali President Kamal Paneru, hotel entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Pandey highlighted that the hotel industry has not grown as expected due to restrictive government policies. He noted that large hotels targeting provincial and tourism markets face triple taxation by local, provincial, and federal governments, yet do not receive commensurate service facilities. Pandey also criticized the regulation requiring hotels in Dhangadhi to close by 10 pm, calling it impractical, and requested extended operating hours for night-time businesses. He emphasized that over Rs 25 billion has been invested in the hotel sector in the Far West, providing employment for approximately 50,000 people, and urged the government to take concrete measures to support entrepreneurs.

Kamal Paneru stated that while the region has produced skilled manpower for the hotel sector, workers are often discouraged due to inadequate wages. He added that many trained workers have become self-employed in newly opened coffee houses and cafes in Dhangadhi.

Harish Bhandari, General Manager of Hotel Devoti, noted that despite the abundance of tourist and religious sites in the Far West, government policies have not effectively attracted foreign tourists. He suggested that attracting visitors from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in India could significantly boost the hotel business.

Radhika Lamsal, owner of Indreni Dohori Sanjh, shared challenges faced by night businesses. Despite obtaining permission to operate until midnight from the District Administration Office, she has been forced to close at 10 pm, negatively affecting her operations.

Chief District Officer Regmi assured that periodic checks would be conducted in hotel areas with security considerations in mind. While acknowledging the procedures for night-time businesses, he noted potential security challenges in scattered establishments. Regmi added that although expanding night operations immediately may be difficult due to security concerns and upcoming elections, discussions with stakeholders will be held after the elections.

The Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been organizing the ‘Vision Sudurpaschim’ debate series alongside entertainment programs during this year’s Sudurpaschim Festival. Previous debates have focused on agriculture, sports, education, and industry and trade, with Sunday’s session concluding the fifth series centered on the hotel industry.