Manali: Even if the Borders are open, most hotels would start operating from October 1!

A large number of hotels, who resumed operations in August or early September, are still waiting for the first booking as tourists are not showing interest in visiting the hill state amid the pandemic.

Many hotel owners, who expected a good footfall but failed to get booking even for a single room, are now planning to close business one more time. What is adding to their worries is that operation charges have increased due to the need for frequent sanitization, while they are being compelled to offer heavy discounts. Many attractive offers, including discounts on tariff, have failed to attract tourists.

“I’m open since September 1 and received a booking for a room for just one night last week. Now, I am confused about my decision to open the hotel. A large number of inquiries are pouring in, but very few are visiting actually,” hotelier Arun Kumar said. He added maximum hoteliers had been disheartened by the trend.

The Himachal Pradesh government’s move to open borders to other states without the need for an e-pass has brought cheer among hoteliers and expecting an increase in tourist inflow in a few days. However, they say, they are aware there was a strong possibility that tourist inflow would not be sufficient to meet expenses.

Manali Hoteliers’ Association president Anup Thakur said most hotels in Manali would open from October 1. “We had fixed this date in advance so that hoteliers get adequate time for preparation. Hopefully, tourist footfall will increase manifold from October. Hoteliers have spent lakhs on sanitization. We have already attended workshops for smooth operation amid Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

News Courtesy: ET