Are Bengal Tour Operators Facing Booking Cancellations Due to Nepal Unrest?
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Synopsis
With recent protests in Nepal leading to tragic fatalities, West Bengal tour operators fear a decline in bookings ahead of the festive season. The unrest may push tourists to reconsider their travel plans, impacting the region's tourism economy significantly. Will the situation stabilize in time for the peak season?
Key Takeaways
- 19 fatalities reported due to protests in Nepal.
- Tour operators in West Bengal fear booking cancellations.
- Peak season for Nepal tourism is from November to January.
- Operators are advising travelers to postpone their trips.
- There has been a significant increase in Bengali tourists visiting Nepal.
Kolkata, Sep 9 (NationPress) In light of the recent violent protests in Nepal that have tragically claimed the lives of 19 individuals, tour operators in West Bengal are increasingly concerned about potential cancellations and financial losses related to bookings for trips to the South Asian nation as the festive season approaches.
Operators are apprehensive that numerous tourists might reconsider their travel plans to Nepal during the Durga Puja holiday due to the ongoing turmoil in the neighboring country.
Speaking with IANS, the chairman of the Association of Tourism Service Providers of Bengal, Samar Ghosh, noted that they have begun receiving numerous inquiries from travelers expressing unease regarding their upcoming trips to Nepal.
“We are getting calls from many people worried about their safety and security. If this situation persists, they will have no choice but to cancel their bookings, leading to significant financial losses. The prime travel season for Nepal is from November to January. We sincerely hope for a resolution to this unrest because cancellations during peak season could be devastating for tour operators,” he stated.
In response to the violent protests, the Nepalese government has lifted the ban on social media platforms. The unrest, primarily driven by the youth, has led to violent clashes with law enforcement, resulting in numerous fatalities. The situation remains precarious as tour operators are closely observing developments and, in some cases, are delaying existing bookings.
“We are providing travelers with the option to reschedule their bookings meant for the Puja holidays. We encourage them to consider moving their plans to the winter season. We remain hopeful that stability will be restored by then,” added another operator.
Tour operators report a significant increase in the number of Indian visitors, particularly from Bengal, traveling to Nepal over the last two years. Despite a surge in inquiries leading up to Saturday, interest has sharply declined since Monday due to the recent events. The close proximity of the state to Nepal has historically resulted in a high volume of Bengali tourists.
A representative from the Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network remarked, “The last two years have shown a positive trend. Last year, we saw a record influx of Bengali tourists to Nepal. This year started promisingly, but the incidents on Monday were unexpected.”
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the realities faced by both tourists and tour operators in this challenging climate. While the unrest in Nepal poses significant risks, it is also essential to maintain a balanced perspective that emphasizes the need for resolution and support for the industry that relies on tourism. The situation demands our attention as it unfolds.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the unrest in Nepal?
The unrest in Nepal has been driven by protests led by young people, which escalated into violent clashes resulting in fatalities.
How have tour operators in West Bengal reacted?
Tour operators in West Bengal are concerned about potential cancellations and financial losses due to tourists reconsidering their travel plans.
What is the peak season for visiting Nepal?
The peak season for tourism in Nepal typically runs from November to January.
Are any measures being taken by tour operators?
Yes, tour operators are offering travelers options to postpone their bookings to a later date.
What impact has there been on tourism from Bengal?
There has been a noticeable increase in Bengali tourists visiting Nepal in recent years, but recent unrest has caused a decline in inquiries.
