Number of hotels and restaurants reaches 142,233 in Nepal

Kathmandu, January 1 — The number of institutions offering residential and hospitality services, including hotels, lodges, resorts, homestays, guest houses, hostels, restaurants, and catering/party venues, has reached 142,233 in Nepal.

According to the National Hotel and Restaurant Survey report for the year 2080 BS, issued by the National Statistics Office today, the highest number of such facilities are located in Bagmati Province, with 52,123 establishments, while Karnali Province has the fewest, with 7,110.

Other provinces report the following numbers: Koshi Province – 25,887; Madhesh Province – 11,740; Gandaki Province – 16,976; Lumbini Province – 20,158; and Sudurpaschim Province – 8,228.

This survey, described as the first integrated national hotels and restaurants report, shows that 106,459 people are directly employed in this sector. Including unpaid family workers, the total number of people engaged in the industry is 387,747.

The earlier Hotel and Lodge Survey conducted in 2060 BS only covered star hotels, resorts, and non-star hotels.

The report further reveals that employees in this sector collectively receive Rs 20.615 billion annually in salaries and benefits. With an operational cost of approximately Rs 216.738 billion, these establishments generate services valued at Rs 326.104 billion.

The sector has contributed about Rs 109.27 billion in added value to Nepal's economy.

Additionally, these facilities possess permanent assets worth Rs 543.258 billion, and 28.4% of them have secured loans from financial institutions.

The hotels and lodges across Nepal have the capacity to accommodate 2.23 million people at one time.