New Delhi, April 5: The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, coupled with soaring oil prices, are significantly affecting tourism. The spike in oil prices has led to increased airfare and accommodation costs. Reports from Nepal indicate that the rise in fuel prices has severely impacted the tourism sector.
According to the Kathmandu Post, prominent hotelier Yogendra Shakya had to abruptly cancel his family trip to Hong Kong scheduled for mid-April due to exorbitant airfare. Shakya, who runs Hotel Ambassador in Lazimpat and Club Himalaya in Nagarkot, stated, “Airfare has skyrocketed. This has frightened everyone.”
A one-way ticket from Kathmandu to Hong Kong now costs approximately NPR 190,000. Shakya mentioned, “We have changed our plans and now intend to visit Jomsom instead.”
Travel agencies report that many travelers, especially those who have not yet booked, are postponing or canceling trips due to rising costs. This situation has arisen following a sharp increase in aviation fuel prices.
On Wednesday, Nepal Oil Corporation cited the ongoing conflict in West Asia as a reason for the rising global energy prices, leading to a historic high in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) rates. The price of ATF for international airlines in Kathmandu surged by 77.63%, reaching $1,716 per kiloliter, surpassing the previous record of $1,645 set in June 2022. For domestic airlines, fuel prices nearly doubled, increasing by 97.63% to NPR 251 per liter, significantly above the previous peak of NPR 190 recorded in September 2022.
Yogendra Shakya noted, “The situation for inbound tourism has become even more challenging. We were hoping for tourists from less affected countries like Japan, Malaysia, China, and India, but the rise in fuel prices has disrupted everything.”
Ticketing agents indicate that travelers who purchased tickets for the peak tourism season earlier are less affected. However, the surge in fares has led to a rapid decline in new bookings.
Currently, a one-way ticket from New York to Kathmandu costs NPR 167,000, up from NPR 100,000 in February. The fare for Kathmandu to Dubai has also increased from NPR 35,000 to NPR 78,000.
Flights to Sydney now cost around NPR 190,000, compared to the previous fare of NPR 80,000. Additionally, ticket prices to Japan have risen from NPR 80,000 to NPR 130,000.
The most significant fare increase has been observed on the Bangkok route, where ticket prices have surged from NPR 35,000 to NPR 105,000. Flights between Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur are fully booked, with one-way fares skyrocketing from NPR 40,000 to NPR 170,000. This surge is particularly affecting Nepali migrant workers.
Furthermore, the fare on the Kathmandu-Delhi route has stabilized at approximately NPR 18,000, up from NPR 15,000. Similarly, ticket prices to South Korea are around NPR 87,000, an increase from NPR 70,000.
Countries like Mauritius and the Maldives are also experiencing significant impacts on tourism. Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed stated, “It is very difficult for the Maldives. Tourism is our main industry and primary source of income. Travel hubs are closed, leading to fewer tourists. This has already decreased by nearly 30%. With rising fuel prices, the fisheries sector will also be affected. This is having a major impact on our prosperity and presents a significant challenge.”
Mauritius is facing similar challenges. The rising oil prices and disruptions in air travel are impacting connectivity. Mauritius heavily relies on flights via Dubai, with over 1,000 passengers traveling daily. However, due to threats from Iran against U.S. assets and airbases, air services are being disrupted.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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