KATHMANDU, JUN 13, 2012
As the deadline to vacate the land leased by seven hotels and resorts inside the Chitwan National Park (CNP) inches closer, the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has asked the government to roll back its decision to close down hotels inside the park.
On Tuesday, a HAN delegation met Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and requested him to consider hoteliers’ plea and extend
their contract.
Amid differences between two committees of the dissolved parliament — Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Natural Resources and Means Committee (NRMC) — the government in December 2009 had given hotels and resorts inside CNP three years time to relocate.
Based on reports that hotels inside the CNP were chopping trees for firewood and the use of generators was affecting the wildlife and park ecology, NRMC had recommended the government not to renew the hotels’ contracts.
In its report, NRMC had said no permanent structure should be constructed in the park.
The seven hotels, whose 15-year contracts ended on July 15, 2009, were allowed to operate for an additional three years considering the Nepal Tourism Year 2011. And, the extension is expiring in mid-July 2012.
The seven hotels and resorts are Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, Machan Wildlife Camp, Chitwan Jungle Lodge, Gaida Wildlife Camp, Island Jungle Resort, Hotel Narayani Safari and Temple Tiger Hotel.
The government had offered extra privileges if the hotels voluntarily moved out within 2010, but the hotels were least interested to do so. None of them has started relocation preparation.
The fresh request of hoteliers contradicts commitments they made two years ago that they would relocate their hotels. Hoteliers say they are hopeful that the government will allow them to operate inside CNP, Nepal’s most popular wildlife tourist destinations.
“The Prime Minister has taken the issue positively and informed us (HAN) that a decision will be taken after holding a thorough study,” said HAN President Shyam Lal Kakshapati.
Among the seven hotels, Tiger Tops is the oldest one and has been operating there for the last 45 years. Other resorts made their entry during the late 80s and 90s.
“The government’s decision to close down hotels operating for the last four decades could send a negative message to prospective tourists,” Kakshapati said, adding that the government should realise the importance of private sector’s investment and employment these hotels are generating.
According to hoteliers, closure of the hotels will have a negative impact on tourism, particularly the jungle safari, most popular among domestic and foreign visitors.
Formerly the Royal Chitwan National Park, CNP was established in 1973 and was declared a World Heritage site in 1984.
The park destination attracted 84,518 foreigners in 2010 among 145,468 foreigners who visited national parks and protected areas.
The destination is also one of the most preferred destinations among for domestic tourists.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
As the deadline to vacate the land leased by seven hotels and resorts inside the Chitwan National Park (CNP) inches closer, the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has asked the government to roll back its decision to close down hotels inside the park.
On Tuesday, a HAN delegation met Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and requested him to consider hoteliers’ plea and extend
their contract.
Amid differences between two committees of the dissolved parliament — Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Natural Resources and Means Committee (NRMC) — the government in December 2009 had given hotels and resorts inside CNP three years time to relocate.
Based on reports that hotels inside the CNP were chopping trees for firewood and the use of generators was affecting the wildlife and park ecology, NRMC had recommended the government not to renew the hotels’ contracts.
In its report, NRMC had said no permanent structure should be constructed in the park.
The seven hotels, whose 15-year contracts ended on July 15, 2009, were allowed to operate for an additional three years considering the Nepal Tourism Year 2011. And, the extension is expiring in mid-July 2012.
The seven hotels and resorts are Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, Machan Wildlife Camp, Chitwan Jungle Lodge, Gaida Wildlife Camp, Island Jungle Resort, Hotel Narayani Safari and Temple Tiger Hotel.
The government had offered extra privileges if the hotels voluntarily moved out within 2010, but the hotels were least interested to do so. None of them has started relocation preparation.
The fresh request of hoteliers contradicts commitments they made two years ago that they would relocate their hotels. Hoteliers say they are hopeful that the government will allow them to operate inside CNP, Nepal’s most popular wildlife tourist destinations.
“The Prime Minister has taken the issue positively and informed us (HAN) that a decision will be taken after holding a thorough study,” said HAN President Shyam Lal Kakshapati.
Among the seven hotels, Tiger Tops is the oldest one and has been operating there for the last 45 years. Other resorts made their entry during the late 80s and 90s.
“The government’s decision to close down hotels operating for the last four decades could send a negative message to prospective tourists,” Kakshapati said, adding that the government should realise the importance of private sector’s investment and employment these hotels are generating.
According to hoteliers, closure of the hotels will have a negative impact on tourism, particularly the jungle safari, most popular among domestic and foreign visitors.
Formerly the Royal Chitwan National Park, CNP was established in 1973 and was declared a World Heritage site in 1984.
The park destination attracted 84,518 foreigners in 2010 among 145,468 foreigners who visited national parks and protected areas.
The destination is also one of the most preferred destinations among for domestic tourists.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
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