Kathmandu, Sep 14 (V7N) – Nepal has suffered an estimated loss of Rs 2,500 crore (25 billion) in the tourism sector due to recent political unrest, just ahead of the country’s peak tourist season.

Hotels were vandalized, airports shut down, and millions of bookings canceled as political tension escalated, leaving major tourist hubs such as Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, and Dhangarhi badly affected.

Since the fall of the previous government and the swearing-in of the new interim administration, the situation has begun to stabilize. In a bid to revive the sector, the Nepal Tourism Board has announced free renewal of visas that expired on or after September 8, offering relief to affected visitors.

Meanwhile, ordinary Nepalese citizens have taken to social media to reassure foreign tourists of their safety and security, in hopes of rebuilding confidence in the country’s travel industry.

The broader trade sector is also showing signs of recovery. Goods transport across the India-Nepal border resumed Friday, after being halted for days during the protests. Hundreds of trucks carrying essential commodities had remained stranded at the border, causing significant losses to traders on both sides.

Authorities expressed optimism that with coordinated efforts and political stability, Nepal’s tourism and trade sectors will soon return to normal.

END/SMA/AJ