Currency ban hits tourism industry in Munsiyari

BD Kasniyal

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Pithoragarh, December 16

Munsiyari has witnessed a steep fall in tourist arrival, especially foreign tourists since the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. Around 6,222 tourists visited Munsiyari from November 8 to December 15 in 2014, and their number increased to 7,633 in 2015. However, the count has fallen to 1,422 this year.

“Foreigners’ arrival at Munsiyari has plunged after the demonetisation of higher denomination currency notes, causing losses to local tour operators,” says Jagdish Rawat, president of the Munsiyari Hotel Association.

He says Munsiyari has accommodation capacity for over 1,000 tourists in 31 hotels and 100 home stay facilitators. The tourism industry will collapse if these establishments do not get clients till New Year celebrations.

Munsiyari hoteliers say if they get bookings for December 31 or year-end celebrations, the industry will survive, otherwise, they will have to lay off most of their employees after December 31. The next four months will be a lean period.