The Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament, currently underway at the Kirtipur Cricket Ground, has provided a boost to Kathmandu's five-star hotels. Teams participating in the tournament are staying in luxury accommodations, benefiting the hospitality sector. Players and coaches are being hosted in high-end establishments such as Soltee, Yak & Yeti, Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Hyatt Place, and Marriott Kathmandu.
The NPL, which commenced on November 30 at Tribhuvan University’s cricket ground in Kirtipur, involves eight franchise teams. Scheduled to run until December 21, the tournament has accommodated domestic and international players, along with their coaches, in these premium hotels. An NPL official confirmed that each hotel is hosting groups of 20 to 25 individuals for the duration of the tournament, with some extending their stay beyond the scheduled matches.
The President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Binayak Shah, highlighted the positive impact of the NPL on the hotel industry, emphasising the emergence of sports tourism in Nepal.
“This is the first time a tournament of this magnitude has been held here, opening new opportunities for sports tourism,” Shah commented. He also underlined the potential for hosting cricket matches with teams from ICC Associate and Test nations.
Nepal has already been hosting ICC and ACC league matches and qualifiers. Facilities such as the Kirtipur and Mulpani cricket grounds, along with under-construction stadiums like the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium and venues in Pokhara and Rupandehi, provide a solid foundation for hosting such events. Shah stressed that the government’s multi-billion investment in these stadiums could generate significant economic benefits if international matches were hosted regularly.
Shashi Kant Agarwal, chairman of Everest Hospitality, which operates Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, noted that the NPL has not only supported the hotel business but also stimulated other economic activities. “This initiative should have begun much earlier. The opening of sports tourism has the potential to transform the economy,” Agarwal stated. He added that hosting even a single Indian Premier League (IPL) game in Nepal could have a transformative impact on the nation's economy.
In addition to accommodating teams, NPL-related events are also being hosted in five-star hotels. For instance, the recent sponsorship agreement between Ncell and the Lumbini Lions was held at the Kathmandu Hilton Hotel in Naxal, showcasing the broader economic impact of the tournament.
Industry experts emphasise the importance of sustaining sports tourism initiatives. Shah suggested that Nepal could strengthen its ties with international cricket teams to host more bilateral series in various formats.
“This is just the beginning, and Nepal has immense potential. Increasing such events and ensuring their continuity will foster growth in both sports tourism and the broader economy,” he added.
The NPL marks a promising start for Nepal’s sports tourism, delivering a multifaceted impact on the economy, from hotel occupancy to local businesses, and paving the way for sustainable growth in the sector.
