Kathmandu- A national survey conducted in Nepal after 20 years highlights the state of the hotel and restaurant sector.  

The 'National Hotel and Restaurant Survey 2023' by the National Statistics Office (NSO) reports 142,223 establishments providing accommodation and food services. 

Unlike the 2003 survey, this study includes a broader range of businesses beyond hotels and resorts, according to NSO Spokesperson Dr. Hemraj Regmi.  

The sector remains underdeveloped, dominated by small-scale, self-employed operators. Of the total businesses, 16,459 employ staff, while 281,288 are self-employed. Many establishments, especially smaller ones, operate without registration, with 36.9 percent nationwide and 42 percent in Bagmati Province unregistered.  

Economic contributions are notable, with Rs 20 billion paid in wages annually, a net capital formation of Rs 543 billion, and annual sector growth of Rs 109 billion. For every rupee invested, the sector earns 66 paisas, with a long-term return of 20 paisas. 

Dr. Regmi emphasized that the sector's GDP and return ratios remain strong despite economic challenges.