BINAYAK SHAH, the President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), is a well-known personality in the tourism industry with extensive experience. Having previously worked at the Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and the Nepal-Europe Chamber of Commerce, Shah brings a wealth of knowledge to his current role. He has also spearheaded the construction of Nepali pavilions at various international expos, further showcasing his expertise in the field. Currently, the hotel business sector in Nepal is gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Shah provided a New Spotlight with commentary on a range of current problems. Excerpts:
Pokhara International Airport (PIA) and Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), Nepal's two brand-new international airports, still haven't started operating after a year. The government's desire to construct the Nijgadh International Airport while ignoring court’s order, economy and the environment is perplexing. The coalition government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stated intentions to develop the airport despite a severe economic crisis in Nepal, where revenue has plummeted by 37%. In the aftermath of the current false Bhutanese refugee scandal, people are questioning the integrity of the highest government leaders, including the opposition party. Whose interests are served by the government's pronouncement that 2.4 million trees of natural forests and habitats of endangered Asiatic elephants will be sacrificed in order to build another white elephant?