BK Shrestha, one of the pioneers of Nepal’s tourism industry, passed away on Tuesday morning at his residence in Bhainsepati after battling cancer for years. He was 64. 

The owner and managing director of the Radisson Hotel, Shrestha had been receiving treatment at Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Harisiddhi, Lalitpur. His family brought him home on Saturday at his request.

“He spent more than four decades serving Nepal’s tourism industry,” said Yogendra Shakya, a senior tourism entrepreneur. “With his work and enthusiasm, he left a lasting impact on Nepal’s tourism and the people he worked with. We have lost a positive thinker, and a friendly and always smiling person.”

Shrestha joined the tourism industry in 1968 by establishing Himalayan Travel and Tours. He became the managing director of the Himalayan Group of Companies and director of Himalayan Wood Craft. He was the vice-president of Alliance Insurance Company, director of Himalayan Feeds and promoter of Kumari Bank.

He entered the hotel sector 20 years ago and became the managing director of the Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu.

He was a member of the Federation in Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and former president of the Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also served as the president of Hotel Association Nepal.

“I am extremely shocked and sorry to hear about the demise of HAN’s immediate past president BK Shrestha. It is certainly a great loss. I would like to express my condolences to the grieving family,” wrote Suman Ghimire, president of Hotel Association Nepal—Chitwan Chapter, on his Facebook page. Shrestha is survived by his wife and three daughters.