Pralhad Raj Kunwar has been appointed the new general manager of The Everest Hotel. Kunwar, who began his career from Hotel Soaltee in 1979, has over 30 years of experience in the hotel industry.

He has worked for Dammam Oberoi in Saudi Arabia, Windsor Oberoi Hotel in Australia, The Oberoi in New Delhi, Doha Sheraton in Qatar, Radisson and Yak and Yeti in Nepal. Kriti Bhuju of Republica caught up with Kunwar to talk about his plans for the Everest Hotel and the overall tourism industry.

Excerpts:

What will be your priority as the new general manager?
At a time when expenses are increasing, I will be working to introduce cost effective measures and plan strategies to promote our brand so that it increases our revenue. For that, the rooms will be upgraded very soon and we will also be adding rooms in a year or so. The food and beverage and the banquets facilities will also be enhanced.

At a time when investments are being made in the hotel industry and tourist arrival is decreasing, how do you think can you increase the revenue?
Definitely, the tourist arrival data is disturbing for the people in the tourism industry but we have to act smartly. The message that the country is not politically stable has hit the industry hard as people do not want to travel in the country which is not secured enough. Tourism stakeholders have to look into this issue seriously. However, if we provide the value for money and best facilities we can definitely meet our goals from both domestic as well as international market. As Europeans spend much, the government must increase direct air connectivity with Europe as tourists want direct and hassle-free travel.

Do you think that unhealthy competition between hoteliers is also hitting the revenue of the hotel industry as a whole?
When the pie shrinks, competition becomes tough. However, the good thing is that no new star hotel has come up for years and many star hotels closed during the conflict. There is rate war definitely, but on the other hand, the expenses are increasing and the good thing is that the hotels are also increasing their services to attract the tourists.

As you have a long experience in the hotel industry in Nepal and abroad, how do you rate the hotels in terms of services and amenities? What shall the Everest Hotel do to comply with the amended hotel regulation?

International hotels introduce latest facilities and technology but our hotels do not have all those. However, the best part of Nepali hospitality industry is that people are simple and service oriented and foreigners do not come here with big expectations but mostly they come to see the culture and tradition. We do not have to add up any facility as we are prefect as per the new regulation.

What are the major hindrances affecting the hotel industry and tourism industry as a whole?
Power cuts, labor problems and the inflation are definitely our major challenges. Besides, unavailability of products like certain food items, energy, spares parts and the human resource in the higher level are other challenges. Deteriorated road condition and increasing pollution that is destroying the beauty of the country has also affected the industry.

Source: http://www.myrepublica.com