Kasauli, Chail wear a deserted look as tourist influx dips

In an adverse fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack, the tourist rush has declined with hoteliers witnessing cancellation of bookings in Kasauli and Chail.

Though roads in Kasauli remained clogged with traffic jams during this time of the year, one barely sees significant rush during the weekends now. Police arrangement to ensure smooth traffic movement by deputing an additional force were nowhere to be seen as roads wore a deserted look.

In picturesque Chail, which lures the visitors owing to its unblemished scenic beauty, hoteliers were facing cancellation of their bookings and dealing with fewer enquires. This has come as a big blow to those who were looking for a lucrative season.

Devinder Verma, president, Chail Hoteliers Association, while terming it as an unprecedented, said, “There is a visible decline in the number of tourists with a majority of the hotels registering nil occupancy.”

He rued that this was an exceptional situation as it was the peak tourist season and pleasant weather was prevailing in the area. “I have just refunded an advance of Rs 6,000 received from a tourist, who was now reluctant to come to Chail.”

Few visitors were seen during the weekend in Kasauli. Barring a few destination weddings, whose bookings had been done in advance, the area remained devoid of visitors. In Kasauli, which is losing its sheen due to traffic congestion and narrow roads, hotels constructed a while ago have been put on sale. A large number of new hotels, which were constructed a year or two ago, were waiting to greet the visitors.

Verma said that the state government should take up some tourism promotional activities to showcase Himachal as a peaceful destination as there is no law and order problem here. Since tourism is a major contributor to the state’s economy the state government should step in to restore the confidence of the tourists during this peak season.

“Since 60 per cent business is derived during this peak season, a lean period would mean significant losses to the tourism industry,” said Arun, an HR official of a hospitality unit.