The premier association for Hotels, Guest Houses, Resorts, Homestays, and other Hospitality Enterprises in the ancient city of Bhaktapur is the Hotel Association of Bhaktapur (HAB). HAB was founded with the goal of bolstering the hospitality industry and boosting tourism in Bhaktapur. It provides a forum for hotel owners to collaborate for the district’s tourism and lodging services to grow sustainably.

Overview
One of the most significant cultural and historical sites in Nepal is Bhaktapur. Every year, thousands of tourists from both domestic and foreign countries visit the city, which is well-known for its historic palaces, temples, traditional Newari architecture, festivals, and rich cultural legacy. Local hoteliers realized they needed a single group to better represent their interests, raise service standards, and market Bhaktapur as a top travel destination as tourism grew over time. As a result, the Hotel Association of Bhaktapur was established.

The national Hotel Association Nepal(HAN), which was founded in 1966 as the umbrella body for the hotel business in Nepal, works in tandem with the association. HAB contributes to national tourist development activities while serving as the regional organization for Bhaktapur‘s hospitality industry.

Vision and Mission

Hotel Association of Bhaktapur seeks to:

• Encourage eco-friendly travel to Bhaktapur.
• Raise the bar for hospitality service quality and standards.
• Preserve and advance the distinctive cultural uniqueness of Bhaktapur.
• Encourage hotel operators and other tourism-related stakeholders.
• Increase the number of visitors and lengthen their visits.
• Promote ethical and environmentally conscious travel.
• Increase tourism to generate job possibilities.

As stated in the association’s official vision, HAB aims to establish Bhaktapur as one of Nepal‘s top cultural tourism destinations, known for its outstanding hospitality, heritage preservation, and genuine guest experiences.

Function in the Development of Tourism

The Hotel Association of Bhaktapur contributes significantly to the development of the city’s tourism industry. To promote Bhaktapur both domestically and abroad, the organization works with local government agencies, tourism boards, travel agents, cultural institutions, and community organizations.

Participation

Hotels, guest homes, resorts, boutique hotels, and other tourism-related establishments in Bhaktapur make up the association. Members gain from:

• Representation of the industry
• Opportunities for business networking
• Programs for promoting tourism
• Initiatives for capacity-building and training
• Availability of industry data
• Policy-related advocacy
• Working together with tourist stakeholders

Membership enables local hospitality companies to collaborate on shared objectives and difficulties.

Governance and Leadership

An elected executive committee oversees the Hotel Association of Bhaktapur A new 11-member executive committee was chosen by the association during its Sixth General Assembly in 2025.

The current group of leaders consists of:

• Kritan Awal – President
• Sujan Hada – First Vice President
• Suman Datheput – Second Vice President
• Ranjit Marikhu – Secretary
• Kailash Dhaubanjar – Treasurer

In addition to coordinating operations with governmental and tourism groups, the committee strives to carry out the association’s goals.

Economic Significance

A significant portion of Bhaktapur’s GDP comes from the hospitality sector. In addition to supporting small businesses and creating jobs for locals, hotels also increase demand for restaurants, guides, traditional crafts, transportation services, and cultural performers.

By its work, HAB helps to:

• Creation of local jobs
• Promotion of cultural tourism
• Maintaining customs and traditions
• Spending by tourists has increased
• Economic development that is sustainable

Additionally, the association promotes policies that maintain Bhaktapur‘s historical character while fostering tourism growth.

Future Objectives
In the future, the Hotel Association of Bhaktapur hopes to:

• Boost the number of foreign visitors.
• Encourage the marketing of digital travel.
• Raise the bar for hotel service.
• promote tourism experiences centered around heritage.
• Encourage sustainable and eco-friendly travel.
• Promote infrastructure investment in the hospitality industry.
• Improve cooperation with Nepal’s tourism stakeholders.

In conclusion

An essential organization in the tourism and hospitality industries of the city is the Hotel Association of Bhaktapur. HAB promotes Bhaktapur as one of Nepal’s most significant cultural destinations by bringing together hotel operators and tourist stakeholders. The association continues to contribute significantly to improving visitor experiences and bolstering the local economy through tourism promotion, cultural preservation, professional development, and industry advocacy. The Hotel Association of Bhaktapur is anticipated to stay at the forefront of initiatives to create sustainable, excellent, and culturally genuine tourism in the old city of Bhaktapur as tourism in Nepal continues to expand.

Balakhu,Durbar Square,Bhaktapur