Notes Ban Hits Tourism In Uttarakhand

Dehradun: Demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 notes has had a severe impact on the tourism industry in Uttarakhand.

Hotels in the state have reported a significant drop in tourism despite the tourist season. 

"On an average there is a 30-40% drop in the month of November but we were able to record good business in the first week of November, thanks to people from Gujarat and Maharashtra. But since November 8, it has all been downhill, compared to last year figures.  Tourists have nearly disappeared and we have witnessed extensive cancellations across the state," said Sandeep Sawhney, President of Uttarakhand hoteliers, said.

Tourist destinations such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie and Dehradun have been worst hit in the state. Rajat Aggarwal, who owns a hotel in Mussoorie, blamed the slow rotation of the new currency for the development. 

"Many hoteliers have already reduced their tariff by 20% and some, as low as 50% to woo tourists over the upcoming long holiday week," Mr Sawhney added.

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"The retails rate have been down due to slow rotation of the new currency and also there is uncertainty in the mind of people pertaining to future of the currency given the current scenario," he said.

But all is not lost yet. The slash in hotel room tariffs  has provided an opportunity to travelers to book into a hotel of their choice at a throw away price at any of the many touristic destinations of the hill-state and ring in 2017 on a brighter note.

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