This undated image shows the members of the Hotel Association Nepal in Kathmandu. Photo: HAN

Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) has demanded that the government introduce a plan to restore tourism, which has been dented badly with COVID-19. Arguing that tourism sector is the most affected one in the pandemic, the upcoming budget should bring the programmes to revive the hotel and tourism industries.

The incentives provided to the hotel and tourism sectors should be doubled by the budget, the umbrella organisation of hotel entrepreneurs said, demanding top priority to this sector in the policy and programmes. It proposed the COVID special tourism restoration fund and tourism facilitation fund, reasoning that these sectors have not only contributed much to national economy and prosperity but also to international image of the country.

Issuing a press statement today, HAN demanded concession in tax, banking facilitation, discount in electricity tariff, employee welfare plan, and programme on tourism promotion in the upcoming budget.