Hyderabad: The ongoing agitations in Telangana and Seemandhra regions have adversely affected the tourism industry in the state.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department Corporation is facing losses of over Rs 5 crore this season with a dip of 85 per cent in bookings.
Even the most sought- after tourist destinations like Araku, Dindi, Mahanandi, Horsley Hills, and tourist spots in Seemandhra regions have received only 20 percent bookings so far.
According to APTDC authorities, thousands of tourists, especially from West Bengal, Karnataka, Chennai and Mumbai, flock to AP during the last quarter of the year.
Every year, bookings are full for places like, Vizag, Dindi, Rajahmundry, Ahobilam temple in Srisailum, Mahanadhi-Kurnool district. However, this year, bookings have dropped to 20 percent.
Bala Subramanyam, director APTDC said, “Usually bookings begin from August end. All 32 hotels and tourist destinations in Seemandhra are fully booked from October 2-15 every year. Mostly visitors from West Bengal visit Visakhapatnam during Dasara festival and people from Chennai, Bengaluru visit Tirupati. But so far, there have been no more than a handful of bookings. Some have cancelled. The department even offered special discounts but that did not help,” he said.
In 2011-2012, the total revenue collected by APTDC during this season (last 3 months of the year) was around `7 crore. The APTDC is offering 30 to 40 per cent discount on special packages which include transport, food and stay. Even that has failed to attract visitors.
There are no takers for even the most sought-after tourist attractions like Ramoji Film City, Nagarjuna-sagar, Yadagirigutta, Keesaragutta, Vikarabad etc. “Every week, about 30 people visit Seemandhra region. But since the agitation began, there are no more than five visitors per week,” said the APTDC authorities.
‘I respect women’ badges on world tourism day
With an objective of educating citizens on treating tourists (especially women) visiting the state with respect, the AP Tourism Development Corporation plans to hold an awareness camp by distributing badges saying “I respect women” to all autorickshaw, cab drivers and general public on the occasion of World Tourism Day on Friday, September 27.
Bala Subramanyam, director, tourism department, said, “There are increasing incidents of tourists being ill-treated, cheated, robbed and even reports of women visitors being raped. Such incidents have created fear psychosis amongst visitors from other states as well international tourists.
Crime against tourists, particularly women, are on the rise. In view of such incidents, this year we have decided to educate people on how to treat visitors. Badges saying ‘I respect women’ in three languages (Hindi, Telugu and English) will be distributed to all at Hussainsagar.”
Similar activities will be undertaken in all districts of Andhra Pradesh on the occasion of World Tourism Day.
“The APTDC will organise a boat race at Hussainsagar in the morning. Around 53 awards of excellence under various categories like best guide, frequent tourist, excellent hospitality and food will be awarded to those selected by a jury of APTDC. A new Harita Hotel will also be launched in the city,” he added.
source: DC
source: DC
Post a Comment