Kasauli hotel business takes a hit

SOLAN: Hotels in Kasauli have witnessed a by 15 to 30 per cent in bookings after the May 1 shootout incident. General manager of a hotel said the peak time of hotel bookings was between May and mid-July, adding that the situation was worrisome as they made the maximum profit during this period.

A demolished structure in Kasauli. Photo by writer

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Solan, May 5

Hotels in Kasauli have witnessed a drop by 15 to 30 per cent in bookings after the May 1 shootout incident.

General manager of a hotel said the peak time of hotel bookings was between May and mid-July, adding that the situation was worrisome as they made the maximum profit during this period.

Thirteen tourism units facing demolition are located on the main roads leading to Kasauli, which is a cause of concern for tourists visiting the area during weekends.

“Major online booking sites are now seeking clearance from the NGT, which is bound to affect at least 80 per cent of the business in Kasauli,” said Rocky Chimney, general manager, Glen View Resorts. He added that repeated mails were being received from Make My Trip and Goibibo.

Though the local hotels also make bookings through agents, larger ones having more than 40 rooms go in for both options.

Various state government departments have for the first time adopted an added caution while renewing the registration of the existing hotels. All such hoteliers have been directed to seek a fresh NOC from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department to ensure that there is no unauthorised structure in their units. A registration once sought is applicable for five years. Since the 13 hotels, which are facing demolition, have added unauthorised structures to their original approved plan, officials are now taking no chances to renew any registration without a fresh TCP NOC. Other departments like the State Pollution Control Board is also reluctant to grant consent to establish new units in the precincts of Kasauli.

New Solan SP assumes charge

New Solan SP Madhusudan Sharma on Saturday assumed the charge. A 2006 batch HPS officer, Sharma visited Narayani Guest House, where the woman officer was shot on May 1.

Officials treading cautiously

The peak time of hotel bookings is between May and mid-July
The situation is worrisome as hoteliers pocket the maximum profit during this period
Thirteen tourism units facing demolition are located on the main roads leading to Kasauli, which is a cause of concern for tourists visiting the area during weekends
Officials are now taking no chances to renew any registration without a fresh TCP NOC.