Janakpurdham, an important place of worship for Hindus, is on its way to becoming a bustling hub for hotels. This transformation is fueled by the emergence of modern hotels alongside its traditional role of serving pilgrims through dharmashalas.
Presently, Janakpurdham is home to about 200 hotels, with investments of various sizes totaling around Rs 10 billion. This growth surge has not only given the local economy a boost but has also generated approximately 5,000 jobs.
However, despite this positive trend, there are concerns among hotel owners. Reports from the Cottage and Small Industries Office in Dhanusha reveal substantial investments in the local hotel industry. Even the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledges the steady increase in hotel numbers each year. Yet, the restricted business environment has led to stagnant growth and less-than-expected returns for investors.
Jitendra Kumar Mahaseth, President of the Chamber, highlights the mismatch between increasing investments and the actual market scenario. He points out that limited market expansion has led to challenges in the industry’s growth, disappointing those invested. In contrast, Manish Raman Shah, the Chamber’s Senior Vice President, hopes for state support to invigorate the hospitality sector. This support would focus on enhancing infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to the industry’s success, potentially impacting Nepal’s overall economy positively.
Surendra Bhandari, President of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association in Janakpur, echoes the sentiment of unmet expectations in terms of returns from the hotels.
Janakpurdham’s prominence in Hindu faith globally, including India, owes much to its historical connection to the sacred marriage of Sita and Ram. Rich in religious and cultural heritage, the city has attracted tourists for years. Despite being a capital and a religious hotspot, the anticipated economic boom from increased tourism activity has been slower than hoped.
Vijay Jhunjhunwala, a hotelier, explains that Janakpurdham’s foray into hospitality began by catering to pilgrims, given its significance as a faith center. The pioneer in this venture was the Gopal Dharmashala, established about seventy years ago to serve pilgrims visiting the Janaki Temple from India.
The emergence of commercial hotels gained momentum with better transportation facilitated by roads and aviation services. ‘Hotel Everest’ became the first hospitality establishment of its kind, emerging around 2024 BS. Today, Janakpur hosts over 60 luxury hotels, some even meeting three-star standards, with a combined capacity to host around 1,000 guests simultaneously.
To ensure continued growth, hoteliers stress the importance of improving infrastructure, boosting tourism, and encouraging longer stays. They believe that introducing attractive tour packages showcasing Janakpur’s historical culture, traditions, and attractions could significantly contribute to both economic growth and the local hotel industry’s prosperity.
Despite the rising number of hotels, challenges persist. For the industry to flourish, timely government intervention is necessary, focusing on creating an environment that supports tourism-related structures and services. Without this support, the sustainability of Janakpurdham’s hotel industry could be at risk.
