Sushil Dhakal is a seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience in the industry. Currently serving as the General Manager of Soaltee Westend Resort Nagarkot, he has worked with internationally recognised brands including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Rotana Hotels, Marriott International, and The Soaltee Hotels & Resorts.
Throughout his career, he has remained committed to the belief that hospitality goes beyond service. It is about creating meaningful guest experiences, building strong teams, and inspiring people. His leadership approach is centered around empowerment, innovation, and collaboration, fostering a work culture where every team member feels valued, motivated, and encouraged to excel.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality?
Hospitality inspired me because it is one of the few industries where you can genuinely make a positive impact on people’s lives every single day. From a young age, I was fascinated by meeting people from different cultures, understanding their expectations, and creating memorable experiences for them.
As I progressed in the industry, I realised that hospitality is not just about hotels; it is about human connection, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning. The dynamic nature of the profession, combined with opportunities to work with global brands and diverse teams, motivated me to build a long-term career in hospitality.
How do you think tourism in Nepal has changed in recent years, especially post-pandemic?
Nepal’s tourism industry has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly after the pandemic. Today’s travellers are far more conscious about wellness, sustainability, safety, and meaningful experiences. Nepal holds a unique advantage because it offers authentic cultural heritage, natural beauty, spirituality, and adventure tourism within a single destination.
Post-pandemic, Nepalese tourism has become more resilient and experience-driven. Domestic tourism has grown remarkably, while international travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that provide peace, nature, and personalised hospitality. Destinations such as Nagarkot have become especially attractive, as guests now value open spaces, wellness escapes, and eco-conscious travel experiences.
At the same time, the industry has accelerated digital transformation and service innovation. Going forward, Nepal has tremendous potential to position itself as a premium sustainable tourism destination on the global stage.
How do you balance luxury hospitality with environmental responsibility in a sensitive destination like Nagarkot?
Luxury and sustainability should no longer be viewed as opposites; they must go hand in hand. In a naturally sensitive destination like Nagarkot, environmental responsibility is not merely an option, but a responsibility shared by all hospitality leaders.
At Soaltee Westend Resort Nagarkot, we focus on delivering refined luxury experiences while remaining mindful of our environmental footprint. This includes responsible resource management, minimising waste, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable operational practices.
I strongly believe sustainable tourism is the future of the hospitality industry. Today’s guests appreciate brands that genuinely care about the environment and local communities. Our goal is to provide world-class hospitality while preserving the natural beauty and cultural identity of Nagarkot for future generations.
What is your long-term vision for Soaltee Westend Resort Nagarkot within Nepal’s evolving hospitality landscape?
My long-term vision for Soaltee Westend Resort Nagarkot is to establish it as one of Nepal’s leading luxury mountain resorts, representing excellence, sustainability, and authentic Nepalese hospitality at an international level.
I want the resort to become a destination where guests experience not only comfort and luxury, but also culture, wellness, nature, and emotional connection. At the same time, I envision building a strong organisational culture where employees can grow professionally and feel proud to be part of the journey.
Nepal’s hospitality industry is entering a new era in which innovation, sustainability, and personalised experiences will define success. My vision is for the resort to lead that transformation and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nepal’s tourism sector.
How do you strike a balance between professional demands and personal relaxation?
Hospitality is a demanding industry, so maintaining balance is extremely important. For me, music is one of the best ways to relax and reconnect with myself. I enjoy singing and occasionally performing informally with colleagues as a band, which creates positive energy and strengthens team bonding as well.
I also believe effective leadership requires mental clarity and emotional balance. Spending time with people, enjoying music, and taking moments to recharge help me remain creative, motivated, and focused in my professional responsibilities.
Ultimately, balance comes from enjoying what you do while also making time for the passions that keep you personally inspired.
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