Lawmakers seek government control of hotel room rates. Hoteliers call it regressive

Proposed amendments to the Integrated Tourism Bill have drawn sharp criticism from hoteliers, who say room rates should be determined by demand and supply. Proposals also seek to tighten rules on star ratings and promote green and heritage tourism.

Lawmakers have proposed allowing the government to regulate the room rates charged by star and other classified hotels under amendments to Nepal’s proposed Integrated Tourism Bill. Hoteliers have criticised the proposal saying it would distort the market and that room rates should be left to market.