Sauraha Tourism Sees Significant Drop in Occupancy During Peak Season

Chitwan. In previous years, hotels in Sauraha used to be around 80 percent full by this time. This year, only about half the number of tourists have arrived.

Business owners are disheartened by the lack of tourists during the main season. Om Prakash Pandey, Chairman of the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, states that February, March, and April are the peak tourist season for Sauraha. He mentioned that while 80 percent of hotel rooms used to be occupied around this time last year, less than 50 percent are booked this year.

Chairman Pandey said, "We are puzzled as to why tourists haven't arrived even during a very good tourist season." During this time, the dense vegetation in Chitwan National Park is cleared, allowing for clear views of wildlife from a distance, making it easier to spot animals.

In terms of weather, this period is suitable for everyone as it is neither too hot nor too cold. Despite all favorable conditions, the business has been affected due to the low arrival of foreign tourists, he stated. Pandey added that the situation is similar across the country, not just in Sauraha.

Gunaraj Thapaliya, the association's vice-chairman, attributes the decline in tourist numbers in Sauraha to the absence of foreign tourists due to elections. He expects tourist numbers to increase after the elections.

Sauraha has 148 hotels with a capacity to accommodate 7,200 tourists. This sector directly employs 6,400 people. The number of people receiving indirect employment is over 12,000. Domestic and foreign tourists visit here to see rare wildlife such as the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile, and various birds in Chitwan National Park and surrounding community forests. Additionally, Tharu culture in Sauraha is also popular among tourists. Furthermore, various national organizations come to Sauraha for programs, and Indian nationals visit in large numbers.