KATHMANDU: Nepal’s tourism industry is facing cancellations in destinations untouched by the August 26 flash floods, prompting the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to urge travel businesses and media to distinguish between affected areas and the rest of the country.

In a message to members and stakeholders, PATA said the flood damage was significant but geographically concentrated, mainly along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors in Rasuwa and downstream communities.

It stressed that Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and the Annapurna region, the Everest and Khumbu region, Chitwan, Bardiya, Lumbini and the Terai, as well as airports and major tourism infrastructure, continue to operate normally.

PATA noted that the current period is a major planning and booking season, but international coverage has not consistently reflected the geographical concentration of the disaster, resulting in cancellations in unaffected regions.

The association urged members to review destination pages, advisories, itineraries and customer-service information to correct any portrayal of the entire country as flood-affected. It encouraged travellers and businesses to assess conditions based on specific destinations and routes and rely on verified information.

PATA said continued responsible travel to unaffected destinations could help sustain businesses, workers and communities while recovery efforts focus on directly affected areas.

It announced plans to establish a Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund through the PATA Foundation to support tourism workers and businesses affected by the floods, including guides, drivers, porters and families operating homestays, lodges, teahouses and small hotels. Many affected families have lost homes, premises, equipment and seasonal income.

PATA urged members and networks to contribute to the recovery fund and said donation routes would be provided through its channels. It advised stakeholders to obtain updates from the Nepal Tourism Board’s NepalNow platform and rely on figures issued by Nepal Police and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

The PATA Nepal Chapter will provide updates on operating conditions in the affected region as recovery progresses.