Rupandehi Developing as Tourist Hub with Rising Hotel Investments

Bhairahawa. Rupandehi is developing as a tourist center with increasing investment in hotel and tourism infrastructure. As Rupandehi is establishing itself as the main place of stay for foreign and domestic tourists visiting Lumbini, the number of quality hotels is continuously increasing.

Five-star, four-star, and three-star hotels have come into operation in the Bhairahawa-Lumbini corridor and the main city areas of the district, while new hotels are also under construction. Businessmen say that the number of tourists staying in the district has increased as tourists going to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Bardia also travel through Bhairahawa, along with tourists visiting Lumbini.

Chandra Prakash Shrestha, President of Siddhartha Hotel Association, said that the number of five-star hotels in Rupandehi is significant. He informed that in addition to the large hotels operating in the district, new projects are under construction.

Currently, Hyatt Palace, Tiger Palace by Solti, Vilasa, and Lumbini Heritage are in operation in the district. A new five-star hotel is being constructed on the Bhairahawa-Lumbini road section, and another five-star hotel at Buddhachowk in Bhairahawa is said to be in the final stages.

Rajesh Mahotra, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association Rupandehi, said that large investments are being made in the hotel sector targeting Indian tourists. He emphasized that Rupandehi should be developed as a resting and destination place due to the high number of tourists coming from border India.

Tourism entrepreneur Kishore Joshi said that more attractive activities, cultural programs, and tourism packages are needed to increase the length of stay of tourists in the district. According to him, since many tourists return on the same day after visiting Lumbini, economic activities will increase further if the stay can be extended.

Anil Gyawali, former president of the Hotel and Restaurant Business Organization, said that the tourism image of the district has become stronger with the entry of international hotel management groups into Rupandehi. He mentioned that the interest of international brands like Hyatt, Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Crown Plaza has added enthusiasm to investors.

Investment in hotels centered around the airport has increased since the operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport. Stakeholders say that Rupandehi is emerging as the main tourism and hospitality center of the province with the operation of star hotels, resorts, and casinos in the Bhairahawa and Butwal areas.