‘High number of tourists & pilgrims not reflecting in revenue, situation worse than last year’
Monday, 01 July 2024 | PURNIMA BISHT | DEHRADUN
Despite the high number of tourists and pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand this year, there has not been a corresponding increase in revenue. Issues like poor traffic management, frequent road accidents and negative publicity have impacted the influx of tourists who typically spend money in the State and contribute to the economy.
The conventional belief that increasing tourist numbers leads to higher revenue generation has not held true for Uttarakhand this year. These opinions were shared by individuals involved in tourism and associated industries across the State. According to Prabhat Aswal, a resort owner in Rishikesh, the authorities have made such miserable traffic arrangements that it has been taking seven to nine hours to reach a destination that usually takes about four hours to reach. He said that the poor management has converted a 10-kilometre long journey into 30 kilometres. “I have witnessed a 30 per cent drop in booking this time compared to last year. Last year, I had earned about Rs two crore by this time but this year, I have earned only about Rs 50 lakh. The tourists initially booked the rooms and services but then they later cancelled them. They told us how their friends or relatives have told them about the chaotic conditions here and suggested they cancel their trips and holidays,” Aswal said.
Manjul Rawat, who runs resorts, hotels and has been involved in adventure tourism for about three decades, said that improper arrangements by the government on roads and tourist spots are causing a decline in the quality of tourism in the State. He said that there is a decline in business this year despite the increase in the number of pilgrims and tourists as only a few people are staying back to spend their vacations here. “There was a time when people used to come to Rishikesh for rafting from across the country. Now, people prefer to go to Ladakh rather than rafting in the Ganga in Rishikesh only because the authorities did little to improve the situation here over the years. Earlier, tourists used to halt on routes to have snacks or meals. However, now they prefer to head directly to their destination after being stuck in traffic for several hours. Every minute occurrence affects the chain of the tourism industry which is considered the backbone of the State’s economy,” Rawat said.
Manoj Panwar, who conducts trekking and adventure activities said that the increasing number of pilgrims has affected his trekking business this year. Many people who approached them for trekking asked them to avoid trekking near Gauchar in Chamoli or any place near Char Dham shrines due to heavy traffic and crowds. Some even cancelled their trekking bookings after hearing about frequent accidents on the mountains. Shivam from a trekking enterprise also noted that some people are now hesitant to trek to high peaks after the recent incident in Uttarkashi where five people lost their lives. However, he added that experienced trekkers are aware of such risks. Nonetheless, he emphasised the need for the government to set up proper guidelines to ensure the proper operation of tour agencies and the safety of trekkers.
Others also opined that the government needs to focus on the capacity building of people involved in businesses of resorts, eateries, rafting, tour agencies, trekkers and others through workshops. The government should involve local businesses in making plans and guidelines for the tourist season as they have valuable insights into the real issues and how to handle them at the ground level, they added.
