Nepal opens nighttime business to boost tourism income. After nearly a decade and a half, Nepali authorities have established a “liberal policy” to allow nighttime enterprises to develop across the country, thereby stimulating economic activity.
Ghanshyam Upadhyay, Kathmandu’s chief district officer, stated that they had set a period for doing various evening businesses in the capital. Nepal opens nighttime business to boost tourism income.
According to the verdict, liquor stores can now stay open until 10 p.m. Similarly, restaurants can now stay up until 12 a.m., and dance bars and clubs can stay open until 4 a.m.
Economists think the decision is historic since a thriving nightlife benefits the local economy greatly.
However, the policy remains tight.
Nepal has been experiencing an economic slowdown since the outbreak of the Covid virus, with most economic indices remaining below par.
The issue has been aggravated further by the Russia-Ukraine war, which has driven global inflation.
As a result, visitor traffic has slowed around the world, especially in Nepal.
For a long time, Nepali authorities have been opposed to evening companies for a variety of reasons, including security.
Depending on the security condition in the districts, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also approved midnight business across the country.
Typically, the country retires around 7 p.m., while the capital city retires by 8 p.m., implying that no business is conducted throughout the night.
Nightlife has always been an important part of Thamel’s identity, but with the exception of a few pubs, it normally goes to sleep before the clock strikes ten. According to the authorities, businesses, restaurants, and bars must close by 10 p.m. for security concerns.
The ten-year insurgency (1996-2006) that killed 17,000 people raised security fears throughout the country. During the second people’s movement in 2006, security was increased. Until mid-2017, the country had severe power outages lasting up to 18 hours per day. All of these events had a significant impact on Nepal’s nightlife tourism.
However, the situation has changed and things are much better now. After a protracted period of transition, the country is on the verge of economic expansion, with tourism playing a significant role.
Most airports in Nepal’s Terai lowlands are now open till midnight, making them operational 24 hours a day.
