Tuesday, June 10, 2025

During the fifth edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM) in Kathmandu, Sudarshan Chapagain, Vice President, Soaltee Hotel Limited, sat down with Travel and Tour World to share insights into the brand’s sustainable practices, global ambitions, and Nepal’s evolving hospitality landscape.

As a proud venue partner of HTM 2025, Mr. Chapagain highlighted the significance of such global events in uplifting Nepal’s tourism visibility. “Nepal needs more promotion,” he emphasized. “This event offers a valuable platform to showcase Nepal and Kathmandu to the world. We’re truly honored to be part of it.”

Soaltee’s participation reflects a broader strategy to elevate Nepal’s profile. The group actively participates in tourism events across Europe and India to strengthen international networks.

Soaltee Hotel has consistently been recognized with prestigious accolades, including Best MICE Destination, Best Hotel in Nepal, and Best Luxury Hotel. According to Mr. Chapagain, these awards are not just accolades but testaments to guest satisfaction.

“Our recognition is driven by organic feedback, nominations, and public votes,” he said. “These motivate us to innovate and improve constantly.”

Sustainability is no longer an optional value—it’s a fundamental pillar of Soaltee’s operational model. The group has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, including solar panel installations capable of generating 0.5 megawatts, the government’s maximum allowance for a single premises.

One standout initiative is the , where radiant technology replaces traditional air conditioning. “The system uses hot or cold water through wall and floor pipes to maintain temperature—eco-efficient and energy-saving,” he explained.

The group has also drastically reduced single-use plastics, introduced an in-house mineral water plant, and converted over 90% of its vehicles to electric. On food waste management, Soaltee supplies excess food to pig farms and is exploring composting options.

From its roots in Nepal, Soaltee is expanding aggressively. The group currently manages , with .

Looking ahead, Mr. Chapagain shared an ambitious vision: “Our goal is to open . We’re working relentlessly to make this happen.”

While the hospitality sector in Nepal is thriving, competition is intense, and infrastructural limitations still pose challenges. “Getting business isn’t difficult,” he noted, “but scaling it is. Challenges like airport capacity and road connectivity exist. However, we’ve seen significant improvements in the last few years.”

He believes that within the next , Kathmandu and Nepal will emerge as preferred global destinations, citing ongoing projects such as and major .

Luxury tourism in Nepal is evolving beyond the conventional image of trekking and mountaineering. “Spiritual tourism, hiking, water rafting—these are premium experiences,” Mr. Chapagain explained. “And they’re gaining traction among high-end travelers.”

With growing infrastructure and the power of digital marketing, Soaltee is strategically targeting this segment.

Nepal’s tourism offerings extend beyond the Himalayas. Mr. Chapagain pointed to underexplored areas such as:

He emphasized that while , both public and private sectors are working actively to improve these areas.

The Soaltee Group is investing in to enhance the guest experience. From the moment guests land at the airport, they are connected—literally.

“Our airport pickup vehicles offer Wi-Fi, and guests can order meals even before arriving,” he said. At the hotel, guests experience , and soon they’ll enjoy .

In select rooms, provide hotel information, city guides, and digital access to amenities. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime are also available, aligning with modern guest preferences.

In closing, Mr. Chapagain outlined the group’s strategic roadmap. “In the next 3–4 years, we aim to operate . Internationally, we’re targeting 30 properties by 2030. We’re confident we’ll exceed these targets.”

As Soaltee Hotel Group continues to expand its global footprint while championing sustainability and digital innovation, it stands as a beacon of Nepal’s growing influence in the international hospitality arena.