‘There is a growing shift towards luxury and experiential travel in Nepal’

Desh Bandhu Basnet is a prominent entrepreneur recognised for his contributions to Nepal’s business and tourism sectors. The owner and chairperson of AB Holdings oversees a diverse portfolio spanning infrastructure development, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate. Basnet has played a key role in bringing renowned international hotel brands to Nepal. He partnered with Accor Group to introduce Nepal’s first Mercure property, the Metropolitan Hotel in Kathmandu. Additionally, he is developing the Manakamana Retreat Resort & Spa in Gorkha, in collaboration with Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, and the Grand Central Hotel in Itahari, associated with Ramada by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. In an email interview with The Post,…