In just a few days, Nepal experienced a surge of intense protests, leaving its tourism industry—a crucial economic source—struggling with substantial setbacks. The image of the Kathmandu Hilton ablaze now serves as a potent symbol of the chaos that unfolded, casting a pall over the nation’s hopes for a quick recovery as its peak tourist season begins.
A Nation in Turmoil
From September 8 to 9, 2025, Nepal was beset by intense turmoil sparked by widespread discontent over corruption. The demonstrations, unfortunately resulting in 72 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries, targeted important government buildings, luxurious hotels, and other symbols of authority.
The Kathmandu Hilton, a symbol of Nepal’s ambitions in the hospitality sector, was among the many hotels vandalized and looted. The temporary shutdown of Tribhuvan International Airport left thousands of travelers stranded, while cancellations dramatically increased, delivering a major blow to Nepal’s tourism sector just as the high season was about to commence.
Estimated losses surpass 25 billion rupees (about €150 million), a crushing blow for an industry that contributes approximately 8% to Nepal’s GDP and welcomes 1.2 million foreign visitors each year.
Nepal’s Tourism Sector Under Pressure
The protests have left usually bustling tourist hubs in Nepal, such as Kathmandu’s Thamel district, strikingly calm. Although shops and restaurants have reopened, tourists have mostly stayed away, understandably spooked by images of a burning parliament and charred luxury hotels. The timing couldn’t be worse, seeing as September to December represents the prime trekking season for destinations like Mount Everest’s base camp. The unrest has triggered travel warnings from many countries. Germany’s Foreign Office, for instance, noted that “further, possibly even violent, demonstrations and renewed protests cannot be entirely ruled out,” even after the appointment of Sushila Karki as the head of a transitional government and the dissolution of parliament.
A Resilient Industry Faces New Challenges
Nepal’s tourism sector is accustomed to adversity, having overcome the Maoist conflict, the devastating 2015 earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Deepak Raj Joshi, who leads the Nepal Tourism Board, is still optimistic, making sure to note that no tourists were specifically targeted during the recent protests and that important safety measures, such as dedicated shuttles to transport tourists between the airport and hotels during curfews, have been put in place. Joshi firmly believes that the industry’s proven resilience will ultimately prevail, pointing to Nepal’s history of recovering from crises.
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Nonetheless, the damage to Nepal’s overall image is clear. The destruction of hotels belonging to international chains, most notably the Kathmandu Hilton, threatens to discourage high-end tourism projects and potentially scare away foreign investment. Binayak Shah, the President of the Hotel Association Nepal, underlined the urgency of restoring confidence and trust: “It is absolutely essential to convey a positive message to the world at large, especially given that the tourist season is just around the corner.”
Rebuilding Trust
Moving forward effectively necessitates coordinated efforts. Hotel owners, trekking agencies, and local mountain guides are advocating for unified action to reassure both visitors and investors. The industry is heavily relying on Nepal’s inherent appeal—its grand landscapes, vibrant culture, and iconic trekking routes—to encourage tourists to return. Still, the overall challenge is undeniably steep. The recent protests have disrupted immediate bookings, but also risk significantly damaging Nepal’s long-term reputation as a generally safe and secure tourist destination.
A Call for Recovery
Nepal now finds itself at a critical turning point, caught between the scars of recent unrest and its aspirations for a successful and flourishing tourism sector. While the industry has undoubtedly shown resilience in the past, the sheer scale of the recent protests and their widespread global visibility present a unique set of challenges. By giving top priority to safety, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and initiating focused campaigns to restore confidence, Nepal hopes to reclaim its position as a premier global destination. As the nation navigates this undeniably turbulent period, its capacity to project stability and optimism will ultimately determine whether tourists return to its majestic mountains and bustling markets in the months ahead.