Local businessmen, including hoteliers, restaurant owners and shopkeepers, have expressed concern as the Dehradun district magistrate on Tuesday issued an order prohibiting parties in hotels, bars, restaurants, and other public places on Christmas and New Year in Dehradun district. The businessmen feel that the order could have adverse impacts on tourism in the hill town.
“We would abide by the directions of the administration but it is also a fact that guests invariably come for celebrations on Christmas and New Year. Cancellation of parties could result in widespread cancellation of hotel bookings which might impact tourism and lead to losses,” says Sanjay Aggarwal, secretary of Mussoorie Hotels Association.
He added that the hoteliers have already made arrangements for parties like the booking of DJ, orchestra, anchors, etc. and cancellation at this stage would cause losses for them.
The order has also not gone down well with restaurant owners and shopkeepers who feel that once the tourists come to know that there would be no parties then they might cancel their plans to visit the town.
“All business establishments are trying to recover from the financial losses that they faced during the lockdown. However, this announcement would have a major impact on tourist arrival to the town as tourists might choose to head to some other destinations,” believes Rajat Aggarwal, president of Mussoorie Traders' Association.
Meanwhile, some locals, including a few hoteliers, feel that this order may help in preventing the spread of Covid-19. “While this order would definitely impact tourism and cause financial losses for all businesses, it must also be noted that the government is taking necessary precautions to check the spread of Covid-19,” says RN Mathur, president of Mussoorie Hotels Association.
