While long queues of vehicles are forming across the country as people travel to their hometowns to celebrate Dashain, Manang is becoming increasingly deserted. The impact of the Gen Z protest on tourism has left Manang, which would normally be packed with tourists at this time in previous years, quiet.
Gen Z Protests and Landslides Cripple Tourism in Popular Himalayan District
Although the Tatopani hot spring in Chame was crowded with foreign tourists until just ten days ago, it is now empty. Chief District Officer Navaraj Paudel confirmed that no foreign tourists are seen currently. CDO Paudel explained that the Gen Z protest and road conditions are the main reasons for the absence of tourists. Specifically, the road along the Lamjung section leading to Manang is in poor condition, and landslides at various points are a major problem.
Landslides in Chitwan and disruptions to transportation have also contributed to Manang’s emptiness… Hotel businessman Furwa Lama stated that Manang’s hotels, which were filled with domestic and foreign tourists in previous years, have become quiet right from the start of this season. The decline is also attributed to domestic tourists being deterred by rain, landslides, and the Gen Z protest.
A Deserted Gateway: Officials Cite Road Conditions and Political Instability
Dhan Bahadur Gurung, Chairman of Nasona rural municipality, argues that the sudden change in government within two days has caused the number of foreign tourists to drop abruptly. Furthermore, even the assigned employees have left for their Dashain holidays.
Not just employees, but 90% of Manangis have homes and businesses in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan… Elected representatives and businesspeople are heading to the cities to celebrate the festival with their families, leaving the village deserted.
Why this placement works:
1. First Sub-headline: The first sub-headline is placed after the introductory paragraph. This sets the scene and then immediately introduces the core reason for the situation.
2. Second Sub-headline: This one is placed where the article delves into the specific, on-the-ground reasons for the tourism collapse—the protests and the physical road conditions. It creates a natural section for these details.
3. Third Sub-headline: This headline introduces the final section of the article, which discusses the broader political instability and the exodus of local residents for the festival, painting the complete picture of a “deserted gateway.”
