The rising airfare, harming Nepal's tourism sector

Raju Kandel

Managing Director (Amazing Nepal Holidays Pvt. Ltd.) 

How has your experience been in the tourism industry so far?

It's been an incredible journey. I've enjoyed understanding the market dynamics, especially the growing craze for outbound travel among Nepalis. It's rewarding to craft experiences that cater to both local and global travel enthusiasts.

How does Amazing Nepal cater to easy flight ticketing, inbound, and outbound travel markets?
Amazing Nepal excels in seamless flight ticketing, offering quick and reliable services for both domestic and international flights. For inbound travellers, we provide customized packages featuring Kathmandu’s heritage, religious landmarks, and scenic destinations like Pokhara and Chitwan. In outbound travel, we focus on popular destinations such as Japan, Korea, Dubai, Singapore, and Europe, ensuring hassle-free ticketing and curated travel experiences. With a commitment to convenience and exceptional service, we meet the diverse needs of travellers, making us a trusted partner in both flight bookings and tailored travel experiences.

How has the ongoing airport construction and night flight cancellations affected your operations and customers?

The airport construction and night flight cancellations have brought significant challenges for both us and our customers. Many tickets cannot be rescheduled or refunded, leading to frustration. Even when rescheduling is possible, the new ticket prices are often double, which is burdensome for passengers. Some passengers become unreachable, delaying the process further. Flights are sometimes rescheduled just a few hours before departure, increasing the risk of missed connections. While some airlines are flexible, others make it difficult, adding to the complexity of serving our customers effectively.

How has the limited capacity of Tribhuvan International Airport and the high airfare impacted inbound tourism business and Nepal's economy?

The limited capacity of Tribhuvan International Airport, especially with its part-time operations, has caused significant challenges for our inbound tourism sector. During peak season, the airport's closure creates major disruptions, leading to a drop in tourist arrivals. Rising airfares have forced many outbound travellers to route through India, affecting Nepal's economy. This increase in ticket prices discourages budget-conscious travellers. On the inbound side, travellers are beginning to shift to other countries, which could have long-term consequences for Nepal's tourism. Immediate market research and infrastructure improvements are essential to mitigate these challenges and support sustainable tourism growth in Nepal.

Airlines play a significant role in the growth of any travel agency. What is your opinion on this?

Airlines play a crucial role in the growth of a travel agency. Without their support, our ticketing services and outbound tours would not be as successful. Airlines provide competitive pricing, reliable flights, and excellent customer service, which helps enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Their flexible policies, connectivity, and new routes open up new opportunities for us, directly impacting the growth of the agency. Additionally, timely services and smooth operations from airlines help us move forward towards success and provide seamless travel experiences for our clients.

With so many travel agencies in the market and new ones constantly emerging, how can you ensure sustainability and stay competitive?

To stay competitive and sustainable, it's crucial to focus on customer satisfaction, offer unique and customized travel experiences, and build strong relationships with trusted partners like airlines and local vendors. Continuous innovation in our services, adapting to market trends, and maintaining high standards of professionalism and transparency will help build brand loyalty. By prioritizing sustainability and eco-friendly practices in our operations, we can differentiate ourselves and ensure long-term success in this competitive market.

Documentation

At Amazing Nepal, we simplify the often-complex process of visa and travel documentation for a variety of countries. Our expert team handles everything from form submissions and appointment scheduling to providing guidance on required documents, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for our clients. Whether it's for popular outbound destinations like Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, or Europe, we stay updated with the latest regulations and requirements. This attention to detail allows us to assist travellers effectively, minimizing delays and enhancing their journey preparation. Our goal is to make international travel as seamless as possible by taking the stress out of documentation.

 

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