Kathmandu. Rupandehi is developing as a tourism hub with increasing investment in hotel and tourism infrastructure. With the establishment of Rupandehi as the main destination for foreign and domestic tourists visiting Lumbini, the number of high-end hotels has increased continuously.

Five-star, four-star and three-star hotels have come into operation in Bhairahawa-Lumbini corridor and major cities of the district while construction of new hotels is underway. According to entrepreneurs, the number of tourists visiting Lumbini as well as those heading to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Bardiya via Bhairahawa has increased in the district.

Chairman of Siddhartha Hotel Association, Chandra Prakash Shrestha said that there are a significant number of five-star hotels in Rupandehi. He added that new projects are under construction along with big hotels in operation in the district.

Currently, Hyatt Palace, Tiger Palace by Soaltee, Villasa and Lumbini Heritage are in operation in the district. A new five-star hotel is being constructed along the Bhairahawa-Lumbini road section while another five-star hotel at Buddha Chowk in Bhairahawa is in the final stage.

Rajesh Mahotra, president of Hotel and Restaurant Entrepreneurs Association, Rupandehi, said that a big investment is being made in the hotel sector targeting the Indian tourists. He stressed the need of developing Rupandehi as a rest and destination as the number of tourists coming from India bordering India is high.

Tourism entrepreneur Kishor Joshi stressed the need of more attractive activities, cultural programs and tourism packages to increase the duration of tourists’ stay in the district. According to him, economic activities would increase further if the stay could be extended as many tourists return home on the same day after Lumbini visit.

Former President of Hotel and Restaurant Entrepreneurs Association, Anil Gyawali, said that the entry of International Hotel Management Group to Rupandehi has further strengthened the tourism image of the district. He said the interest from international brands such as the Hyatt, Marriott, Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza has added to investor interest.

After the operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport, investment in airport-centric hotels has increased. According to stakeholders, Rupandehi has emerged as a major tourism and hospitality hub of the province with the operation of star hotels, resorts and casinos in Bhairahawa and Butwal areas.