Chitwan is the first national park in Nepal. It was established in the year 1973. Chitwan National Park, which is the choice of most of the tourists who come to visit Nepal, was reduced to zero after the spread of the COVID-19 infection. At this time, the tourism business suffered a huge loss.
Basu Dhungana, the director of Siddhartha Vilasa Banbas Hotel, says that the tourist activity of Sauraha is gradually returning to its old state after COVID-19. Currently, domestic tourists are increasingly visiting Chitwan. Dhungana says that if domestic tourists had not visited Sauraha after COVID-19, it would have been difficult to reach this situation. However, he said that the situation is not satisfactory and that domestic tourists have a role in promoting tourism in Sauraha.
A few foreign tourists are also increasing in Chitwan. Tourism businessman Dhungana says he is hoping for a better year in 2024. Comparatively, the number of Indian tourists is also increasing in Chitwan. The Chinese have also started a little bit. So the signs of the future are starting to look like morning glimmers.
Nepal's mountains and hills and other things are highlighted. Terai tourism in Nepal has not been given much attention.
Safari tourism in particular is not given much priority while we have heritage to be proud of. UNESCO has listed Chitwan National Park as a World Heritage Site for its flora and fauna. The international value of Chitwan is very high. Wildlife lovers from all over the world have been coming to Chitwan since 50 years ago.
Chitwan's tourism has come to this situation due to its strength. The government has not paid enough attention to it.
From time to time there are conflicts between humans and wild animals.
Nepal made an international commitment to double the number of wild animals. In 2011, the heads of government of the countries where tigers are found gathered in Petersburg, Russia, and committed to double the number of tigers. Nepal has doubled the number of tigers within the stipulated time limit.
But as the number of tigers increases, Dhungana tells us that the Government is not prepared in advance how to handle the side effects caused by it.
It is creating misunderstandings. The problems created due to the conflict between humans and wild animals in and around Chitwan National Park are serious.
The government is not in a position to avoid it. Nearly 25 people have lost their lives due to wild animal attacks. Many people have been amputated. Animals have been damaged. The statistics of damage to food crops and houses are also not small.
However, the people of this region believe that the unique biodiversity of tigers, rhinoceroses, elephants, etc. There are unique gifts given by nature that can become a link to bring prosperity in our future. Therefore, it is necessary to organize it, build infrastructure, and improve the relationship between the people and National Park.
Tourism does not necessarily mean only foreign investment and consumers.
It is necessary to properly address and protect domestic investors and tourists. Foreign investment is essential. Standing on your own feet is a good thing. Foreign investment is also necessary. But if we can preserve the small but beautiful things, we can make progress. For that, policies should be prepared according to the community.
Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors. It is important to get facilities like agriculture and other sectors. If that happens, progress is not far off.
It is necessary to do many things to increase the effectiveness of the National Park.
For example, the ticket to enter the National Park is valid for 1 day. If this day can be extended, the activity of tourists will also increase and they can stay in Chtiwan for more days. Instead, it is necessary to have at least 5 days. If this happens, Parsa National Park, Balmiki Ashram, Tribeni, and other hilly areas can be connected the scope of business can be widened and there can be all-around benefits. This will benefit both the government and the private sector.
Another essential for tourism is roads. For this, the priority given by the government to build a road connecting Chitwan from Butwal, Pokhara, Nijgadh, Kathmandu, and other places is acceptable. A bit late, but priority is a big deal. On the other hand, the runway of Bharatpur airport is small. The government must increase that too.
