KATHMANDU: A glacial flood originating from the Tibetan region through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers has caused an estimated Rs 52.13 billion in damages to the tourism sector across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts.

A preliminary report by a committee formed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation highlights extensive destruction to hotels, restaurants, vehicles, and tourism infrastructure.

According to the report, the hotel sector alone suffered losses amounting to Rs 19.56 billion. Data from the Hotel Association of Nepal indicates that 207 hotels and restaurants were damaged by the disaster.

Further losses include Rs 1.38 billion in the restaurant sector, Rs 1.51 billion in vehicles, Rs 50 million in trekking trails, Rs 1.12 billion in heritage and tourism infrastructure, and Rs 155 million in rafting and camping sites.

The report also notes that income from foreign tourists dropped by Rs 14.6 billion, while Langtang region businesses lost Rs 1.27 billion and domestic tourism revenue declined by Rs 198.7 million.

An additional Rs 12.26 billion is estimated to be required for family support and workforce management in the affected areas. Committee coordinator Sahadev Dhamala stated that all stakeholders are working together to address the crisis.

‘At a time when the tourism sector is in crisis, we are working together,’ Dhamala said. Hotel Association of Nepal President Binayak Shah remarked that collecting data was challenging due to the loss of life and missing persons.

Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal President Sagar Pandey emphasized the need for a recovery plan. ‘Recovery means moving forward by increasing activities,’ he said.

Industry leaders noted that the disaster has created negative perceptions internationally, particularly due to tourist casualties. They stressed that restoring tourism activiti