Sauraha: Despite the usual risks associated with traveling during the rainy season, hotel entrepreneurs in Sauraha are experiencing a wave of elation as tourists flock to the district in July and August, which are typically considered off-season for tourist arrivals.

In previous years, business in the rainy season dwindled, leading many hotel staff to take leave due to reduced activities. However, this time around, the off-season is witnessing an increasing flow of both domestic and foreign tourists, much to the delight of the local tourism entrepreneurs.

Ganga Giri, the Chairperson of the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, revealed that Sauraha is now welcoming an average of 1000-1200 tourists daily during this season, with a substantial number being foreign visitors, notably from China. Sauraha, which boasts 125 hotels with a collective capacity to accommodate 6,200 people, is experiencing a remarkable rise in tourist arrivals, igniting excitement among the tourism entrepreneurs in the area.

One of the popular attractions drawing tourists is the opportunity to enjoy elephant rides, with over 100 tourists participating daily, as reported by Rishi Tiwari, the Chairperson of the United Elephant Operators' Cooperative organization. Chinese tourists seem particularly fond of this experience.

Notably, the current number of tourists in Sauraha exceeds previous years' figures, even amidst challenging road conditions. Suman Ghimire, the former Chairperson of the Regional Hotel Association, expressed satisfaction with the present influx of tourists, indicating hope for the recovery of Nepal's tourism industry.

The sudden surge in off-season tourists has infused optimism among entrepreneurs, raising hopes for a robust rebound in the tourism sector in Nepal. The encouraging trend has spurred expectations of a promising future for Sauraha's hospitality and travel businesses.