The PATA Foundation has launched a Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund to aid tourism workers and small businesses impacted by the August 26 floods. The initiative aims to support those who have lost homes, businesses, and income due to the disaster.
The floods caused significant loss of life and widespread damage, particularly along affected river corridors and downstream communities. Tourism workers, including guides, drivers, porters, and operators of homestays, lodges, teahouses, and small hotels, have been severely affected.
According to a joint statement by Henry Oh, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Andrew Jones, Chairman of the PATA Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the focus is on providing support that reaches individual livelihoods and ensuring an accurate account of which parts of the country are open to prevent further loss during the autumn season.
Donations to the Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund will support practical recovery needs, including equipment for guides, porters, drivers, and tourism workers; the refitting of lodges, homestays, and teahouses; tools, stock, and equipment for tourism-related businesses; and shared facilities used by affected communities. Every grant will be approved by the PATA Foundation’s Board of Trustees, with the Foundation committed to publishing information on funds raised and how they are used.
“The purpose of this Fund is straightforward: to help tourism-dependent families get back to earning,” added Mr. Jones. “For many people in the affected areas, their home and their tourism business were the same building. Rebuilding the equipment, premises, and capacity that allow them to welcome visitors is an important part of the recovery.”
Distinguishing Affected Areas from Open Destinations
PATA and the PATA Foundation urge the international tourism industry and travelers to distinguish between affected areas and the rest of Nepal. While the impact is severe, it is not uniform across the country. Conditions can change quickly, and further weather-related incidents may affect individual areas. They encourage travel businesses, media, travelers, and stakeholders to check the latest official information before making or communicating travel plans.
The Government of Nepal has called for travel advisories to be confined to specific affected areas, highlighting that the rest of the country remains open for travel and tourism. Continued travel to open destinations is one way the tourism industry can support Nepal, sustaining businesses and communities while allowing recovery efforts to focus on the most affected regions.
The Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund welcomes contributions from individuals, tourism organisations, businesses, and supporters of Nepal’s tourism community. To donate, visit the PATA Foundation website or contact [email protected] for larger commitments. Travellers and tourism businesses are encouraged to consult official Nepal government and tourism authorities for the latest travel information before planning their trips.