Kristina Shrestha brings Australian experience to Nepali hotel industry

KATHMANDU: Kristina Shrestha Shakya, a hospitality professional with nearly two decades of experience, is applying skills gained in Australia to Nepal’s hotel industry as more women rise to leadership roles in the sector.

Shrestha, born in Kathmandu and originally from Tanahun District, completed early schooling at New Horizon Boarding School and Viswa Niketan Higher Secondary School before finishing higher secondary studies at Cambridge College, Kathmandu. She briefly worked as a computer operator at Malhotra Enterprises before leaving for Australia in 2008 to study culinary arts at Stirling College.

While studying in Australia, Shrestha supported herself by working as a waiter at Kathmandu Newa Chhen, a restaurant run by a Nepali owner. Her work and studies led her into housekeeping, where she began at Quest Serviced Apartments and later worked at international hotels including InterContinental, Sheraton and Stamford. In Australia, she advanced from housekeeping supervisor to executive roles and also worked as a nursing assistant caring for the elderly.

After a decade abroad, Shrestha returned to Nepal in 2018 and has since held senior housekeeping roles at prominent Nepali properties. She served as Head of Housekeeping at The Dwarika’s Hotel and has worked at Rupakot Resort, The Malla Hotel and Hilton Hotel. She is currently Executive Assistant Manager at Nigalo Hotel, which is preparing to open in Nagarkot with Nepali investment.

In addition to her hotel duties, Shrestha teaches hotel management at Gate College in Dhumbarahi, training the next generation of hospitality workers.

She said challenges remain for the industry. "Initially, when I returned to Nepal, overseas experience was not given much importance. Even today, society's perspective on women taking leadership roles or working night shifts has yet to change," she said.

Shrestha also pointed to trade union politics and the outflow of skilled workers as obstacles for Nepali hotels. "Students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management in Nepal often study with the intention of going abroad rather than staying in Nepal; this has become a matter of concern for Nepal's hospitality sector," she added.

Shrestha said she returned with a desire to contribute at home and urged recognition of local talent, noting that there are significant opportunities in Nepal for the workforce trained within the country.