Actor Manisha Koirala has appealed to the international community to continue visiting Nepal despite the devastating floods affecting parts of the country, stressing that tourism remains a lifeline for the Himalayan nation. Actor Ali Fazal has also expressed solidarity with those affected, sending wishes of “strength, healing and hope.”
As Nepal deals with the aftermath of severe flooding in parts of its mountainous region bordering Tibet, messages of support have emerged from prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
While the disaster has caused widespread devastation in affected areas and prompted rescue and relief efforts, Manisha Koirala has drawn attention to another concern: the possible impact of the crisis on Nepal’s tourism-dependent economy.
Speaking at Sadhguru’s In Solidarity with Nepal event, the actor urged people around the world not to allow the disaster to define their perception of the country.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleManisha Koirala says tourism is vital for Nepal
Manisha, who has long spoken about her connection to Nepal, appealed for continued international support during the difficult period.
Addressing the ongoing crisis, she acknowledged the severity of the calamity in the affected Tibet-Nepal border region while underlining the importance of tourism to the country.
The actor said Nepal needs continued support and encouraged international travellers to keep the country on their travel plans rather than associating it only with natural disasters and hardship.
According to Manisha, Nepal should also be recognised for the qualities that have made it one of South Asia’s most distinctive tourism destinations—its Himalayan landscape, natural environment, culture, traditions and people.
Her message focused on the idea that support for Nepal can extend beyond expressions of sympathy and humanitarian assistance. Responsible tourism, she suggested, also plays an important role in sustaining the country’s economy and supporting local communities.
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Add Hunterfly on Google‘Tourism is our breath,’ says Manisha
During her appeal, Manisha described tourism as deeply important to Nepal’s national economy and identity.
She urged people not to view the entire country through the lens of a disaster affecting specific regions. Instead, she encouraged the international community to remember Nepal for its natural beauty, mountains, culture and traditions.
The Heeramandi actor’s comments reflect the importance of tourism to many communities across Nepal. The sector supports a broad ecosystem of hotels, guides, transport providers, restaurants, artisans and small businesses.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleFor a country known internationally for destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and the Himalayan region, tourism can have a direct impact on livelihoods far beyond the areas immediately affected by a natural disaster.
However, travellers are advised to follow official travel guidance and local safety instructions before planning trips, particularly when weather-related emergencies affect transportation routes or infrastructure.
A call to separate disaster zones from Nepal’s wider identity
One of the key points in Manisha’s message was her concern that Nepal should not become internationally associated only with recurring disasters and difficult circumstances.
The actor emphasised that the country has much more to offer and should be celebrated for its people, environment, heritage and traditions.
Her appeal comes as Nepal continues to manage the humanitarian and infrastructural consequences of the flooding.
Natural disasters can have an effect far beyond the immediate zone of destruction. In tourism-dependent economies, images and reports of a crisis can sometimes lead potential visitors to postpone or cancel travel to regions that may not be directly affected.
Manisha’s message therefore highlighted the need for a balanced understanding of the situation—acknowledging the seriousness of the disaster while also recognising that the impact may vary across different parts of the country.
Ali Fazal extends solidarity with those affected
Actor Ali Fazal also shared a message of support for Nepal during the crisis.
A statement shared through his team expressed condolences to families who have lost loved ones and extended solidarity to communities affected by the floods.
The message said that their thoughts were with Nepal during the difficult period and offered wishes of strength, healing and hope as the country continues its recovery efforts.
Signed off by “Team Ali Fazal,” the message reflected the actor’s support for people dealing with the consequences of the disaster.
Ali’s statement added to the messages of solidarity being shared for Nepal as rescue, relief and recovery operations continue in the affected regions.
Flooding brings widespread destruction to affected regions
Nepal has faced significant challenges following the devastating floods in its mountainous region near the Tibet border.
The disaster has reportedly caused widespread destruction, affecting communities and infrastructure in impacted areas. Rescue and relief operations have continued as authorities and aid workers respond to the crisis.
Mountainous regions can face particular challenges during major weather events because difficult terrain can complicate transportation and emergency response.
Floods and related natural disasters may also affect roads, bridges, communication networks and essential services, making relief work more difficult.
The immediate priority in such situations is the safety of affected communities, including rescue operations, access to emergency supplies and the restoration of essential infrastructure.
Why responsible tourism can matter during recovery
Manisha’s appeal also draws attention to the broader economic consequences that can follow a major natural disaster.
Tourism is an important source of income for Nepal and supports businesses and workers across a wide range of sectors. When travellers cancel trips indiscriminately because of a crisis affecting one region, communities in unaffected destinations may also experience economic losses.
This does not mean visitors should ignore safety concerns. Travellers should always check:
- Official government and local authority advisories.
- Weather and road conditions.
- Information from accommodation and tour operators.
- Local restrictions in affected areas.
- Transport availability and route disruptions.
The goal of responsible tourism during a crisis is to make informed decisions rather than assuming that an entire country is inaccessible because one area has experienced a disaster.
Travellers who choose to visit should also respect local conditions and avoid entering affected areas unless travel is officially permitted and safe.
Nepal’s natural and cultural identity
In her message, Manisha highlighted several aspects of Nepal that she believes deserve international attention.
The country is widely recognised for:
- The Himalayan mountain range.
- Diverse natural landscapes.
- Ancient cultural traditions.
- Historic and religious heritage.
- Distinct regional communities.
- Adventure and nature-based tourism.
Nepal’s identity as a tourism destination extends far beyond a single location or season.
From heritage sites and cultural centres to trekking routes and wildlife destinations, the country offers a wide range of experiences. The tourism sector also supports thousands of local workers and small enterprises.
Manisha’s comments reflected her hope that Nepal will continue to be viewed through this broader lens even during periods of national crisis.
Celebrity messages bring attention to Nepal’s recovery
Public messages from actors and other well-known personalities can help bring attention to humanitarian crises and encourage wider conversations about support and recovery.
Manisha’s appeal focused particularly on the economic importance of continued tourism, while Ali Fazal’s message centred on solidarity with those affected and families who have suffered losses.
Both messages, however, carried a similar theme: support for Nepal during a difficult time.
As the country continues to deal with the impact of flooding in affected areas, recovery will require a combination of emergency relief, infrastructure restoration and long-term community support.
A message of hope alongside a call for support
The messages from Manisha Koirala and Ali Fazal underline two different but complementary aspects of responding to a disaster.
First, there is the immediate humanitarian need to support people affected by the crisis.
Second, there is the longer-term need to protect livelihoods and help communities recover economically.
Manisha’s appeal to travellers reflects the importance of tourism to Nepal, while Ali’s message offers emotional support to people dealing with loss and disruption.
As Nepal continues its recovery efforts, both actors have used their platforms to express solidarity with the country.
For Manisha, the message is also a reminder that Nepal should not be defined solely by moments of crisis.
Her appeal to the international community is clear: acknowledge the hardship facing affected communities, support recovery efforts and continue to recognise Nepal for the beauty, culture, people and traditions that have made it a globally loved destination.
Ali Fazal’s message, meanwhile, offers a simple expression of support—wishing the country and its people strength, healing and hope as they navigate the difficult path ahead.
