Swelling tourism draws investors to Sauraha

NARAYANGADH:Shambhu Prasad Mali of Bachhyauli who used to operate a hotel in rented property has built his own hotel at a cost of Rs140 million.

The Hotel Royal Safari in Sauraha contains 38 air conditioned rooms and a conference hall that can accommodate 200 persons.

Similarly, the Safari Park Hotel and Lodge is also being constructed with an investment of Rs180 million. The property situated on the banks of the Rapti River will offer amenities like swimming pool, underground parking, sauna and Jacuzzi, among others. Owner Mahesh Khanal said they had planned to bring the hotel into operation in one year. Khanal formerly held a job in the tourism business.

Mali and Khanal are only two examples. Attracted by the increasing flow of tourists in recent days, many entrepreneurs have been encouraged to invest in luxury hotels in Sauraha. As per the entrepreneurs, 17 new hotels have been opened with an investment of Rs30-200 million in the last five years. These hotels are reported to be providing jobs to 5,000 people. According to them, the number of domestic visitors to Sauraha has been swelling.

“The number of domestic visitors has surged in recent days,” said Khanal. “There are crowds when there is a long vacation.”

Celebrations like New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Elephant Mahotsav and Christmas draw hordes of fun seekers. During these times, local hotels are fully booked, entrepreneurs said.

There are 97 hotels operating in Sauraha. Similar hotels are being constructed in adjoining areas. A new Rs200-million hotel is being built in Kumroj. Four small hotels are also being constructed here.

As per experts, investors have also been attracted due to the top priority given to the tourism business by the government. Apart from luxury hotels, many resorts have also opened targeting jungle safari goers. Recently, a group from Pokhara launched the Landmark Safari Resort targeting such adventurers.

source:the kathmandu post,9 April 2015