Summer holidays are fast approaching, but tour operators in the city are keeping their fingers crossed over the prospects of tour bookings and visitors’ arrival after the recent twin blasts at Dilsukhnagar.
It is close to 10 days after the blast, and the authorities have closed Lumbini Park for visitors, and the Tourism Department has suspended boat services from the park, citing security concerns. The US Consulate had advised its citizens to maintain high vigilance and take steps to enhance their personal security.
Generally, enquiries about tour bookings are made in March and April. But this season, the trend is yet to pick up.
The Tourism Department has been facing a revenue loss of Rs. 1 lakh a day ever since the boat service from Lumbini Park was suspended. NTR Gardens too has been closed, and it is not a good sign, says a senior official from the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).
Every summer, tourists arrive in the city to visit Charminar, Chowmohalla Palace, Golconda Fort and other tourist spots. Similarly, bookings for Horsley Hills, Tirupati, Srisailam, Araku and other places too increase.
“On an average, Rs. 15 crore-worth business is done per month across the State, and during summer season, it gets increased by another Rs. 3 to Rs. 4 crore. Though, things are looking settled, we cannot rule out the blast impact,” the official concedes.
On the other hand, travel agents are hopeful of doing good business this summer as well. “Hyderabad has limped back to normalcy, and there is nothing to worry now. People appear to be confident,” says Ajay Kumar Ramidi, secretary, Travel Agents Association of India, Hyderabad chapter.
“Moreover, the marriage season is set to pick up from May first week, and it is good news for us. Many people will be visiting the city and tour and hotel bookings will definitely go up. We are optimistic of doing good business,” adds Mr. Ramidi.
