KATHMANDU: The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) has called on the government to address key policy and operational challenges facing the hospitality sector during separate meetings with the Department of Tourism and the Ministry of Energy this week.

A HAN delegation led by President Binayak Shah met Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Director General of the Department of Tourism and submitted a memorandum outlining issues requiring departmental facilitation. The delegation also extended best wishes for the DG’s tenure.

According to HAN, the discussion focused on regulatory hurdles and operational difficulties affecting hotels, with the association requesting constructive support from the department. The DG Lamichhane assured full cooperation and positive coordination to help resolve the concerns, HAN informed.

Earlier, on December 7, President Shah met Energy Minister Kulman Ghising and handed over a memorandum urging the government to ensure hotels and resorts receive electricity tariffs equivalent to those of the manufacturing sector, as provisioned in the national budget and the Finance Act 2082/83.

Minister Ghising said the matter has been referred to the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Electricity Regulatory Commission for necessary institutional procedures and implementation, the HAN stated.