HAI joins Nepal Tourism Promotion Program to strengthen India-Nepal ties

Engagement in New Delhi highlights tourism collaboration between India and Nepal across leisure and wedding segments.

Hotel Association of India (HAI) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting tourism-led regional development and participated in the Nepal Tourism Promotion Program organised by Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi and supported by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on the 29th of April in New Delhi.

Leadership perspective

Welcoming the initiative, KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group said, “This engagement marks an important step in strengthening institutional ties between India and Nepal’s hospitality sectors.”

Industry participation and B2B engagement

The association reinforces efforts to deepen tourism and hospitality cooperation between India and Nepal. HAI Members like the Sarovar Group of Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group and Lemon Tree Hotels participated in the B2B sessions that brought together leading hospitality stakeholders including prominent star hotels targeting destination wedding tourism.

The program showcased the country’s diverse tourism offerings through a cutting-edge presentation by the NTB. HAI’s participation reflects the shared commitment of both associations to strengthen tourism linkages and promote cross-border travel, with a focus on unlocking new opportunities across key segments such as leisure and weddings.

Representation and key remarks

HAI was represented by its Secretary General M. P. Bezbaruah and Deputy Secretary General Charulata Sukhija. HAI was invited to speak at the official ceremony. Highlighting the strong ties that exist between HAI and HAN, Bezbaruah mentioned that the event reflects the resolve of Nepal to take advantage of all the development that is taking place in India including the wealth creation among the citizens who are becoming increasingly discerning travelers willing to spend for experiential travel that is rooted in sustainability.

Bilateral discussions and future collaboration

On the sidelines of the programme, HAI and HAN also held a bilateral interaction to explore avenues for continued cooperation and industry engagement, deepening the long-standing cultural and economic ties between India and Nepal. The delegation from HAN was led by its President, Binayak Shah, along with key representatives from Nepal’s hospitality industry.

Lemon Tree Hotels announces its 7th property in Nepal

New signing strengthens presence in transit-led and emerging gateway markets

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of Keys Prima in Srinagar, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion. With this addition, the company’s footprint in Jammu & Kashmir now includes four operational hotels and two properties under development. The hotel will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited.

Keys Prima Srinagar will feature 60 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, banquet hall, conference room, and recreational facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness centre, and other leisure areas.

Commenting on the signing, Neelendra Singh, Managing Director & CEO of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, highlighted the growing potential of Jammu & Kashmir as a leisure market, driven by rising domestic tourism and improved infrastructure. He noted that traveller expectations in Srinagar are shifting toward refined, experience-led stays backed by trusted brands. The introduction of Keys Prima is positioned as a response to this demand, expanding the company’s state-wide footprint and building a network that ensures consistency and quality across India’s most iconic travel circuits.

Holiday Inn Express Debuts in Nepal

Kathmandu - Nepal, IHG Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today inaugurated the first Holiday Inn Express in Nepal. Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal offers modern accommodations with all the amenities to meet the needs of today’s travellers in this truly unique capital city, which is teeming with rich culture and world heritage sites. With smartly designed social spaces and vibrant guestrooms, guests can easily accomplish what they need to while on the road, whether for business or pleasure.

Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal, where modern comfort meets Nepal's unmissable charm.

The hotel is nestled in Naxal, in the vibrant business and social hub of Kathmandu, conveniently located just 15 minutes from Tribhuvan International Airport. Surrounded by corporate offices, embassies, restaurants, popular nightclubs, and casinos, the hotel caters to savvy travellers looking for a delightful Kathmandu experience. The world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, including the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka and Patan, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Boudhanath, and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan, are easily accessible from the hotel.

Room with a View

Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal offers sun-kissed and bright 100 rooms, including a Suite, situated on higher floors, providing scenic city or Himalayan views. Room interiors blend contemporary minimalism with vibrant energy synonymous with Holiday Inn Express brand. Guests can enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, an electronic safe, a tea/coffee maker, room service, daily housekeeping, and a self-service laundromat for a comfortable stay.

Delightful Eats at Express Café & Bar

Guests can enjoy their favourite food all day in a relaxed ambiance at Express Café & Bar and kickstart the day with a free Express Start Breakfast or opt for Grab & Go choices and recharge at any time with a diverse all-day menu selection in a vibrant indoor atmosphere or dine alfresco. The Rooftop Asian Bar and Restaurant offers a mesmerizing 240-degree view of the Himalayas alongside the best of Asian cuisine and curated cocktails, spirits, and fine wines.

Meet & Greet

At Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal, meeting venues span 163 sqm and are equipped with modern audio-visual equipment for a seamless event. For social events, the banquet hall connects to a terrace with a retractable roof, providing a versatile event space.

Express Essentials to Stay More Than Ready

The self-service laundromat at Holiday Inn Express is an additional facility for guests to enjoy the convenience of fresh, clean clothing even while on the go. The fully equipped self-service laundry room is fitted with modern washers and dryers.

On the hotel's opening, Naresh Lal Shrestha, Chairman, and Maheshwor Shrestha, Managing Director of Swornim Hotels Private Limited, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to open the first Holiday Inn Express in Nepal. This hotel will further strengthen Kathmandu’s offering for both business and leisure travellers who are looking for a quality hospitality experience. The launch of Holiday Inn Express further reinforces the economic prosperity and growth of the hospitality industry in Nepal. I strongly believe that a combination of an excellent location, a vibrant product, and the power of the Holiday Inn Express brand will lead the way for the midscale hotel space in the Kathmandu valley.”

Speaking on the property, Karthi VK, General Manager, Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal, commented, "It is our pleasure to introduce Holiday Inn Express, one of the world’s fastest-growing essential hotel brands, to Kathmandu. Holiday Inn Express is the first choice for an increasing number of travellers who need a simple, engaging place to rest, recharge, and get work done. We offer everything guests need and provide more where it matters most.”

He further added, “I look forward to welcoming travellers traveling to Kathmandu to experience our inspiring guestrooms as well as our flexible and energizing public spaces, providing guests with a simple and smart stay where our guests can experience Frictionless, Personal, Transparent, and Value-Rich service. The entire team is enthusiastic and looks forward to welcoming guests with the warmth of true hospitality that IHG Hotels & Resorts are known for.”

Lemon Tree Hotels signs two new hotels in Nepal

Lemon Tree Hotels announced its latest signing of two franchised hotels- Lemon Tree Premier, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal and Lemon Tree Resort, Lumbini, Nepal. The two combined bring on board almost 200 keys and take the count up to five properties in Nepal under different brands of the Lemon Tree umbrella.

Lemon Tree Premier, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal, franchised by Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, is expected to open in or before January 2024.This plush property, will feature 102 well-appointed rooms, two restaurants, one restrobar, a private dining room, three meeting rooms, one banquet hall, outdoor venues for events, an expansive swimming pool, a fitness center, aspa, a casino and other public areas.

Budhanilkantha, in Kathmandu district, has religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. It takes its name from the Sanskrit word that means ‘Old Blue Throat’, a title of Lord Shiva that was given by gods after the Lord drank poison to save the world. It has the famous Budhanilkantha Temple, which is synonymous with the 1400-year-old black basalt carving of Vishnu, draped in marigolds and reclining on a bed of serpents in a small pond. This temple is sacred for Hindus but is equally well-venerated by Buddhists. Budhanilkantha is a sprawling suburb that stretches into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, home to leopards, monkeys, and bears, plus many species of local and migratory birds.

The Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, is about 12 kms away. The hotel is connected by both public and private transport to the major cities in Nepal.

Franchised by Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, Lemon Tree Resort, Lumbini is expected to open in or before October 2023. It will feature 81 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, a bar, meeting rooms, an outdoor event venue, a private dining room and other public areas.

Lumbini, best known for being the birthplace of Buddha, is in southern Nepal and is one of the many pilgrimages that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha. Emperor Ashoka, one of the most renowned Buddhists, erected a commemorative pillar in Lumbini which testifies to the birth of Buddha and survives to this day. Dayanagar, the municipality where Lumbini is located, is surrounded by lush green forests and has a serene atmosphere. It also offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range from certain areas. The place has several religious sites of historical and cultural significance.

The Gautam Buddha International Airport also known as Bhairahawa Airport at Siddharthnagar is about 15 kms from the property. The hotel is connected by both public and private transport to the major cities in Nepal. It is about 280 kms from Kathmandu and 180 kms from Pokhara. It also connected by a road from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and is a one-hour drive from Sunauli transit point on the Nepal-India border. The city is also an excellent destination for adventure enthusiasts. The municipality offers various adventure sports, including trekking, hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. The region's natural beauty and thrilling activities make it an ideal destination for adventure seekers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vilas Pawar, CEO - Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels commented, “We take great pleasure in announcing the latest additions to our portfolio with our valued partners Budhanilkantha Heritage Ltd. and Lumbini Palace Resort Pvt. Ltd. We are gradually making forays in the international market and expanding our portfolio in Nepal to strengthen our regional presence.

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New openings | Lemon Tree Hotels signs new property in Nepal

This will be the brand’s third property in Nepal, after one each in Kathmandu and Nagarkot.

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the opening of a new hotel in Nepal. It has signed a license agreement for the upcoming 80-room hotel at Biratnagar under the Lemon Tree Premier brand.

This hotel will be the brand’s third property in Nepal, after one each in Kathmandu and Nagarkot. Scheduled to open by January 2023, the hotel, owned by Nepal International Hospitality, will feature well-appointed guestrooms and suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar, MICE venues, and other recreational facilities including a spa, a swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Commenting on the news, Rattan Keswani, Deputy MD, Lemon Tree Hotels and Director – Carnation Hotels, said, “We are delighted to expand our upcoming portfolio in Nepal with Nepal International Hospitality. The addition of this hotel will help expand our reach in the country and add to our repertoire of hotels in the region. The planned casino, which will be built adjacent to the hotel, will be an added USP and provide an exclusive offering to our guests.”

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Enters Nepal with Ramada Encore in Central Kathmandu

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its global footprint with its entry into Nepal via the newly opened 90-room, Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kathmandu-Thamel.

Located in the center of Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, the newly built hotel opened earlier this week and is part of a vibrant rejuvenation project of the city’s commercial centre, close to top attractions and cultural wonders such as the base camp for Mount Everest, the Garden of Dreams, Ason Bazaar at Kathmandu Durbar Square and other popular destinations in the city.

This latest opening builds on Wyndham’s continued commitment to growth for the sub-Indian continent. With more than 50 properties currently in the Indian sub-continent, the opening of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kathmandu-Thamel is another welcome footstep towards the Company’s continued expansion plans.

Nikhil Sharma, Regional Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said, “We are thrilled to be expanding Wyndham’s portfolio in this exciting new destination. Nepal is a beautiful country with huge potential and we are pleased to be making our footprint as part of our strategy to further expand our EMEA reach across the Indian sub-continent. With a growing portfolio of more than 50 operational hotels in the region and plans to develop around 30 additional properties across India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Pakistan by 2025, the debut of the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand brings us one step closer to our mission of making hotel travel possible for all in the Indian sub-continent and beyond.”

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kathmandu-Thamel features contemporary rooms designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. The hotel offers guests various on-site food and beverage outlets, including the Pateo restaurant and bar, the outdoor El Beso Caro offering scenic views of the city, as well as Chocos N Subs, serving light meals and coffee. Other amenities include a rooftop plunge pool, a spa and salon for rejuvenation and relaxation, as well as a fitness centre. The hotel also features a versatile meeting room to accommodate up to 60 conference attendees or 80 banquet guests.

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