We were asked to write a little something about how we, a trekking and adventure company, are managing during these hard times. So this is what we are doing.

Firstly let us set the scene. This year started out as a year of hope. The Government of Nepal had announced Visit Nepal 2020. We, like a lot of others in the tourism industry, were optimistic about the country’s aim to bring in two million visitors this year. Again, like many trekking and travel agencies and hoteliers we made plans, expecting a bumper year. And certainly the pre-bookings were higher than those for 2019.  Then, at the end of January, the world was alerted to what was happening in Wuhan district in China. On 11 March, WHO declared Covid-19 a pandemic. 

We realize the world’s economy has been affected, but let us update you on what is happening in Nepal right now. Nepal’s tourism industry generated $240 million in revenue and provided one million jobs in 2019.  Tourism is one of Nepal’s biggest sources of revenue. So we watched in horror as not only did Covid-19 spread into Europe, but cancellations for trips to Nepal started coming in. At the start cancellations came mainly from those who had confirmed but not yet paid for their trip. But as the world came to realize Covid-19 was going to be here for the immediate future, cancellations started to flood in. 

For us at Magical Nepal this was our first experience of mass cancellations. Having been established in 2015 with more enthusiasm than experience, we have grown and matured at an unexpected rate. Like the rest of the industry around the world once a pandemic was declared we knew the ethical thing was to give 100 percent refunds to our clients. This, or the option to change the date of their trip to a coming season. At first we said, ‘next season’—this being September to November in Nepal—but as we stand today, at the end of March, we do not even know if this is possible. 

So what are we doing right now? Like the majority of tourism offices, we have temporarily closed. But we are still working from home. We are in touch with existing and past clients to give them updates on what is happening in Nepal and check in on how their country and family are doing. Yes, there are a few who state they will visit Nepal this coming season.  This is provided of course that the world recovers from the pandemic and the economic losses it is causing. But we believe Nepal will come back even stronger, if not this season then in 2021. Meantime we do have a few clients who require our assistance in getting home. So we have been coordinating with embassies to find them flights, and if that is not possible, to find them places to stay.

And what can you, other tour operators, do right now? We know everyone is concerned about finances. And many of us have taken out loans based on the promise that VNY2020 gave. So discuss with your bank manager and increase the loan terms. Similarly, both you and your landlord will be worried about rent payments. Sit down and come to an amicable agreement.  With regards to employees, Covid-19 has impacted low income, seasonal and daily wage earners hard. If you can provide your employees with productive work from home, do so. Online training or facetime brainstorming new trip ideas/routes together perhaps.  

Remember, if you take care of your employees now, they will take care of your business and clients in the future. Your brand is important so don’t forget to treat your clients well too.  Give them full refunds or the option to postpone their trip to a future date. Now is the time to think long term. 

For example, we have cut our advertising and marketing expenses. Currently we are advertising ourselves, our staff, our trips, and our Nepal through a new travel blog we have created. So we are being productive in this time, as well as reconnecting with  our families. 

We are thankful that today the world can be connected through the internet and that the many friendships we have made with past clients are proving strong in these unprecedented times.

To quote a phrase from 2015: We Will Rise Again.

The authors are founders and owners of Magical Nepal