Kathmandu: Ambika Shrestha, a pioneering figure in Nepal's hospitality sector and owner of the renowned Dwarika's Hotel, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. Shrestha was instrumental in establishing Dwarika’s Hotel as a celebrated sanctuary for the architectural grandeur of the Newari civilization.

Her passing has elicited heartfelt condolences from various personalities, who have recognized her significant contributions to the country's tourism industry. Tourism entrepreneur Basanta Mishra described Shrestha as a "rare gem" with exceptional expertise in marketing and promoting tourism. He noted that her passing leaves a notable gap in Nepal's tourism sector and highlighted the valuable lessons she imparted to the new generation.

Binayak Shah, Chairman of the Hotel Association of Nepal, expressed that the country has lost a true advocate for tourism development. Shrestha's efforts extended beyond tourism, as she also made significant contributions to heritage conservation through the Nepal Heritage Society and championed women's entrepreneurship development and empowerment.

Karna Shakya, another prominent tourism entrepreneur, hailed Shrestha as an iconic leader and a symbol of the tourism deity in Nepal. Former CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, Dipak Raj Joshi, referred to her as a guardian of Nepal's tourism sector.

Active in the hospitality and tourism industry for the past 65 years, Ambika Shrestha had been leading Dwarika's Hotel since 1991. Her legacy in the sector is profound, and her contributions have left an indelible mark on Nepal's tourism landscape.