Sauraha's tourism entrepreneurs have been excited by the presence of tourists on the eve of the English New Year.

In recent days, the number of domestic and foreign tourists has been increasing. In previous years, the number of tourists during this time used to be very low, which created a situation where the hotel business had to operate as usual.

Until a few years ago, the presence of tourists in small and big hotels was low. But this year, the arrival of tourists has increased significantly, says Keshav Khanal, a tourism entrepreneur and owner of Hotel Monalisa.
‘Last year, the tourist occupancy was only 50 percent at this time,’ he said, ‘but in the past few days, the occupancy of my hotel has reached around 70 percent.’

This time is considered the off-season for foreign tourists. Since foreign tourists celebrate Christmas and New Year in their own countries, their presence in Sauraha is low. To attract them, an elephant racing competition was started in Sauraha since 2055 BS.

After various ups and downs, it is now being organized under the name of ‘Elephant and Tourism Festival’. Businessmen say that the number of domestic and foreign tourists in Sauraha is increasing due to the festival. "The hotel has 44 rooms, most of them have been booked for the past few days, the situation is much better than last year," Khanal said.

Recalling that tourists stopped coming to Sauraha sometime during the English New Year, Om Pandey, President of the Regional Hotel Association, Sauraha (HAN), said that the presence of tourists has increased after the festival was organized in a way that does not harm elephants. "Sauraha's tourism is linked to elephants," he said, "Tourists have been attracted by our programs that do not harm elephants." Currently, 80 to 90 percent of hotels in Sauraha are occupied. He claims that the number of tourists in Sauraha has increased during this time due to the elephant and tourism festival. 

‘This festival has done a great job of publicity to attract tourists to Sauraha throughout the year,’ said Dhungana, ‘We are confident that the number of tourists will increase even more from next February.’

According to businessmen, this festival has also sent a message that Nepal is a safe and attractive destination. At least 30 to 35 percent occupancy is required to cover hotel operating expenses, and that has now reached that level. Businessmen are excited as the festival has increased tourists by 80 to 90 percent.

‘Since the arrival of tourists is good now, it is estimated that the tourism business of Sauraha will have a turnover of about Rs 50 million at this time,’ said Mahesh Khanal, general secretary of the Regional Hotel Association, Sauraha. ‘Small and big hotels and restaurants have become operational, lost jobs have returned, and there is hope that bank interest can be paid.’
The program started by the Regional Hotel Association, Sauraha to attract domestic and foreign tourists has now been expanded as a tourism festival. Entry to the festival is free. Tourists come to Sauraha to see the fascinating activities of elephants, which has benefited the tourism sector by extending their stay.