HAN welcomes government's recognition of hotels as an industry

KATHMANDU, Jan 19:The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) has welcomed the government's recognition of star-rated hotels and tourism resorts as industries under an ordinance.

The 'Ordinance 2081 to modify several Nepal Acts related to strengthening the economic and business climate and stimulating investment' listed star-rated hotels and eco-tourism resorts as national priority industries.

The HAN's 49th annual general meeting, held last Wednesday, welcomed the designation of "star-level hotels and tourism resorts" as a national priority sector.

The government's decision addresses the tireless efforts and initiatives made by the HAN decades ago to achieve recognition of hotels as a national priority industry, according to a statement issued by HAN.

The Hotel Association  Nepal has asked hotels other than star hotels to provide equal service amenities in the rules and processes that would be developed under the legislation amended by the ordinance.

The HAN also requires that industries that account for more than 40% of the value of raw materials utilized by hotels be designated as manufacturing industries.

Similarly, at its 49th annual general meeting, the HAN approved a proposal to amend the Hotel Association Nepal's legislation, ensuring that the association has an active presence in all seven provinces and 77 districts, as well as turning it to a federal structure for better service delivery.