RSP convention boosts Chitwan economy by over 500 million
The convention, which began with a grand opening on Sunday and concludes today, saw peak inflows of visitors over the weekend.
KATHMANDU: The first national general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has generated an estimated business turnover of more than Rs 500 million in Chitwan and surrounding areas, turning the district into a vibrant economic hub for nearly a week.
According to local business leaders and organizing committee officials, hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related enterprises across Bharatpur, Sauraha, and nearby Gaindakot experienced unusually high occupancy as thousands of delegates, observers, and supporters arrived from across the country.
The convention, which began with a grand opening on Sunday and concludes today, saw peak inflows of visitors over the weekend.
Organizers estimate that nearly 20,000 people were present in Chitwan at its busiest point, with hotels fully booked and additional guests accommodated in surrounding areas.
Event accommodation and hospitality coordinator Rajan Gautam said that around Rs 200 million alone was spent on lodging, while the party itself is estimated to have spent over Rs 40 million on food arrangements during the event period.
He noted that although accommodation costs were borne individually by participants, coordinated meal arrangements significantly contributed to the local hospitality sector.
Industry leaders reported that the influx of visitors had a ripple effect across multiple sectors.
Dairy products, meat, eggs, fruits, and other agricultural goods saw strong demand, while transportation activity surged with more than 2,200 vehicles reportedly entering the district from outside regions.
Former president of the Chitwan Chamber of Commerce, Rajendra Oli, said the economic cycle of Bharatpur was strongly activated during the event, with hotels and restaurants operating at full capacity.
He added that such large-scale gatherings help stimulate broader local markets beyond hospitality alone.
Similarly, Hotel Association Chitwan President Om Pandey stated that hotels in Bharatpur saw excellent business, while establishments in Sauraha and nearby tourist destinations also benefited from overflow guests.
He added that many first-time visitors from RSP leadership and supporters also had the opportunity to explore Chitwan’s tourism attractions.
Local stakeholders described the convention as a rare economic boost for the region, highlighting its role in activating trade, tourism, transport, and agriculture sectors simultaneously.
