Nepal tourism sector faces Rs 50 billion loss after Bhotekoshi floods

The tourism sector in Nepal has suffered estimated losses exceeding Rs 50 billion following a catastrophic flash flood in the Bhotekoshi region. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel reported that the disaster damaged 142 hotels, 57 restaurants, and 141 tourism-related vehicles. Significant damage was also sustained by religious and cultural heritage sites.

The flooding has severely impacted key trekking routes, including Langtang, Gosaikunda, Parbatikunda, and Nathali. The highway to the China border and the roadhead to the Langtang trek have been swept away, leading to some cancellations by tour groups.

In response, the Nepal Tourism Board is conducting damage control through a ‘Your Visit Matters’ campaign to maintain visitor confidence. The government has proposed a “climate heritage” plan to develop flood-hit areas with museums and monuments to preserve the memory of the disaster. Minister Paudel has called for international assistance, specifically requesting modern early-warning technologies to manage risks from Himalayan glacial lakes.