Puducherry is gearing up to welcome 2016. The recent rain and flood do not seem to have deterred the New Year spirit.
Though many had cancelled their bookings after the unprecedented rain in November and early December, the occupancy rate now in all the hotels is full.
From Bengaluru, Chennai
People from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and even from Delhi have come in large numbers to celebrate this New Year in the city.
Amitava Roy, general manager, Atithi Hotel, said: “There will be two events on Thursday with live band and DJ. The rooms are 90 per cent booked.”
This year, at least 95 per cent of tourists had booked hotels for New Year celebrations in November.
But, due to rain, nearly 70 per cent of the advanced bookings were cancelled. All the 360 hotels had many vacant rooms.
No celebrations in Chennai
With Chennai hotels having declared that there would not be any New Year celebrations, Puducherry hotels announced nearly 31 events including magic shows and dance for the New Year celebrations.
There are more than 7,000 hotel rooms in the Puducherry, which are all fully occupied.
Though Richmond Hotel is not hosting any events due to lack of space, their rooms are full. “We have 100 per cent occupancy,” says Vimal B, manager of Shenbaga Hotel.
The footfall of tourists has increased over the years in Puducherry. In 2012, there were 9 to 10 lakh. While in 2013, there were 11 lakh, it had increased to 12.88 lakh in 2014.
Last year, the number of tourists who had come to Puducherry to celebrate New Year alone was 1.15 lakh. However, there is a decrease in foreign tourists. “The tourists who have staying our hotel are mainly from Bangalore and Chennai,” added Mr. Vimal. T.Radjaradjane, executive director, Ananda Inn, says: “We are organising magic shows, DJ, buffet for lunch on Thursday and dinner on Friday. There are tourists from France and Germany also staying in our hotel and all the rooms are full.”
