Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister and the Future of Tourism

The youth-led “Gen Z Movement” shook the political ground, challenging corruption, misrule, and arrogance that had become routine. The protest toppled the old power and opened a new chapter in Nepal’s political history by placing a woman in the prime minister’s chair for the first time. for a long time, many Nepalis carried the question in their hearts: Who will be the first woman to lead the country as executive head? That question was finally answered on September 8 (Bhadra 23–24): Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mrs. Sushila Karki.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed as the head of the Interim Government by President Ram Chandra Poudel, before parliament was dissolved. With her appointment, Nepal now has both its first woman Chief Justice and its first woman Prime Minister recorded in history. The immediate task before her is clear: guide the nation toward elections, rebuild the broken structures, and restore people’s faith in governance. The election date is announced for 21 Falgun 2082, and I hope this brings fresh leadership and an end to corruption. Looking Back at Nepal’s Movements

Nepal’s political journey has always been tied to people’s struggles: The democratic revolution of 2007 B.S. The Panchayat era of 2017 B.S. The People’s Movement of 2046 B.S. The decade-long People’s War (2052–62 B.S.) The People’s Movement of 2062/63 and the Republic declaration of 2065 B.S. Each movement promised inclusion, transparency, and corruption-free governance. Yet, true good governance has always remained out of reach. The recent Gen Z Movement is not just another protest - it is a loud reminder that young people are tired of corruption, inequality, and unaccountable leadership.

Why This Moment Feels Personal to Me

This whole movement is deeply connected to me because I was there. On the first day, I didn’t really participate in the activities at the beginning. I went to the office, but I couldn’t focus on my work at all. We closed the office early, and I found myself walking toward the streets of Thamel, New Road, and Basantapur. Shops were closed, some people were rushing home, while many others were standing in groups, whispering and wondering, “What’s next? What do we do now?”  

The second day was different for me. I was feeling weak because I had a fever, a common cold, and was not in the best condition. But staying at home wasn’t an option. After 1 pm, I went out again. This time I reached Teku, then New Road, and finally Singha Durbar. That moment shocked me; I saw fire. The palace was burning. I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “Why, guys? Why burn this?” Stop this! Who listens to me! But the fire kept spreading.

I walked ahead and reached the Supreme Court. It too was burning. Oh my God, what’s happening? Everywhere I turned, flames were rising. By the time I returned home, the news confirmed what I had seen with my own eyes -fires across the city. And in my heart, I knew: this wasn’t just “our protest” anymore.

This isn’t the Nepal we dreamed of.This isn’t the victory we hoped for. Because even though it looks like we “won,” what we lost along the way…makes it feel like we didn’t.

The Impact on Tourism

 Now, let me shift to my own field of work, tourism.

 After years of suffering from the earthquake, blockade, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal’s tourism sector was finally starting to recover. Businesses were hopeful, hotels were ready, and the season was just about to welcome foreign guests again. Then came the Gen Z protests. 

The demonstrations on September 8–9 (Bhadra 23–24) brought massive damage not only to lives and property but also to Nepal’s international image. According to newspapers, the direct loss to the tourism sector alone is estimated at 25 billion rupees. Most of this seems to have hit the hotel industry, but other tourism stakeholders are also affected. Yet, it is important to note that this movement was not aimed at tourists. Trekking routes, religious and adventure tourism, and transportation services remain safe. Foreign visitors are not at direct risk, and unlike previous crises, only certain infrastructures were damaged. This gives hope that recovery will be faster this time.

What Nepal needs now is strong international communication and positive promotion. If the government and private sector can work together to rebuild trust, I believe our tourism will rise again just like it always has.

Nepal is living through another turning point in its history. The courage of Gen Z youth will be remembered for generations. The leadership of Prime Minister Sushila Karki opens a new door of hope. And for us in tourism, though the setback is painful, I remain optimistic: Nepal will once again welcome the world with open arms, warm smiles, and timeless mountains.