Nepal has launched a new #NepalCalling campaign to reassure international travelers after devastating floods and landslides in the northern Rasuwa district triggered a wave of tourism cancellations ahead of the peak season.

Tourism operators say bookings for September-November, traditionally Nepal’s busiest tourism period, have fallen sharply since the August 26 disaster. Some hotels have reported cancellations of around 20 percent in recent days.

The government is stressing that the destruction is concentrated in Rasuwa and that most major tourist destinations remain open. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and the Everest and Annapurna regions are operating normally, officials said.

Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel has urged travelers not to abandon Nepal, saying their visits would provide important economic support as the country responds to the disaster.

According to Asia News Network, tourism businesses fear that dramatic images of damaged roads, collapsed bridges and rescue operations in northern Nepal could create the impression that the entire country has been affected.

The tourism sector contributes about 6.7 percent to Nepal’s economy and supports more than a million jobs. Industry representatives are calling for stronger international publicity, hotel and airfare discounts, and other incentives to restore traveler confidence.

The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal has advised against travel to Rasuwa, while other major trekking and tourism destinations remain accessible.

The government and Nepal Tourism Board are now working to expand the #NepalCalling campaign, hoping to prevent a localized disaster from turning into a nationwide tourism setback during the crucial autumn season.

BOB Post