Hyderabad, December 27: Tourism and hospitality industry seems to be the worsthit sector in the State, more particularly in the State capital, due to the political crisis.
Despite hoteliers slashing room rents by 30 to 40 per cent and air carriers offering discounts and incentives to usher in the holiday season, the number of travellers has come down drastically.
“The leisure-traveller segment has been hit badly.
Though accommodation prices have been reduced by 30 to 40 per cent by hotels, travellers are worried as there’s no assurance of their safety and security at the moment,” Vijay Mohan Raj, Chairman, Communications, Travel Agents’ Association of India told Express.
He said the business travel segment was also hit with most of the business travellers either cancelling or deferring their visits. “The travel and tourism sector, be it the leisure or business segment, won’t look up until normalcy is restored in the State,” explained Vijay. Earlier this month, the AP Tourism Department admitted that at least 50 per cent tourists had cancelled visits to Hyderabad and other parts of the State.
“Occupancy rates in hotels in the twin cities fell by more than 30 per cent in December. It’s unsual as this is that time of the year when business actually picks up,” said Ram Misra, President, Hotels and Restaurants’ Association of AP.
The corporate industry in Hyderabad is virtually at a standstill. Companies such as Monster India and Karvy Financial Services Ltd., witnessed low attendance levels.
“If the situation deteriorates, it will have an adverse impact on industrial activity,” said M Narasimha Rao, President, Hyderabad Software Exports’ Association.
–Agencies