"Government needs to promote hospitality sector to uplift economy"

Kathmandu, 19 March (2021) - Hotelier Deepak Thakur said that tourism in Nepal can be promoted if hotels are given high focus and promotion of hospitality sector can uplift country's economy.

Speaking to Lokantar last week, Thakur, who is CEO of Shinee Hotels and Resorts India/Nepal, said that hotel brands need to be promoted to overseas tourists.

"Tourists should feel that hospitality in Nepali hotels is excellent. Nepal has a unique blend of beautiful culture and nature that appeals to the tourists' senses and good hotels will help tourists to enjoy their experience in Nepal more," he said.

Thakur informed that Shinee Norchok is also planning to open hotels in Lumbini, Pokhara and Chitwan.

This year our group is targeting to open at least 15 to 20 hotels in Nepal, Thakur said.

"We also plan to move to other countries like Qatar and UAE," he said.

He added that his brand is not in competition with any other brands but is focused on promoting own brand. "We want to ensure that we are doing good and making our customers happy," he said.

Thakur also said that his company's main focus is customer satisfaction.

"We have young and enthusiastic staff members who love to meet the expectations of the customers and serve them best food and provide excellent services," he said.

Complimenting Nepal's environment and demography, he said that climate and people of Nepal both are great. "Nepali people are very humble. Everything in Nepal is similar to my birthplace Himachal Pradesh," he said.

When asked about what suggestion he would give to the government Thaur said that the government is promoting tourism sector well. "Hospitality and other sectors need more support from the government to promote tourism," he said.

Talking about the post-pandemic recovery of hospitality sector he said, "The sector is recovering from COVID. Occupancy in hotel is around 25 percent. Footfalls in the weekend are good enough. We are getting different functions and birthday parties."