KATHMANDU: The five-star Taragaun Regency Hotels (Hyatt Regency Kathmandu) has announced that it will resume operations as soon as possible after reconstruction, following significant damage incurred during the recent Gen Z movement.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the hotel’s Executive Director, Sureshlal Shrestha, expressed gratitude for assurances from Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal that the government would provide necessary support and assistance for the damages.

The statement noted that the assessment of damage caused during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9 is ongoing, and emphasized the hotel’s determination to operate post-reconstruction while further enhancing Nepal’s reputation in the tourism sector.

“The protests caused extensive damage to guest rooms, offices, the reception, lobby, restaurants, banquet halls, chapels, and the hotel’s overall infrastructure through vandalism, looting, and fire-related activities. Since then, the hotel has been completely closed,” the statement said.

“We are committed to a full assessment, upgrading, and reconstruction of the hotel to reopen as soon as possible with expanded and superior services,” the statement added.

The hotel indicated that reconstruction and upgrading are expected to take at least one year.

The hotel also pledged to contribute further to the country’s economic development by increasing government revenue and to uphold its role as Nepal’s flagship hotel, strengthening the nation’s prestige in tourism.

“Over the past two and a half decades, the hotel has witnessed various political and social changes in Nepal. During this period, we have navigated extreme armed conflict, peace processes, constitution building, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while providing employment to thousands and making significant contributions to the country’s tourism and economy,” the statement said.

The hotel highlighted its repeated recognition by the government for its economic contributions via tourism.

It has been honored seven times as the highest income tax-paying hotel and twice as the hotel generating the most foreign exchange in the tourism sector.