Are the long-drawn Lok Sabha elections a reason for the drop in tourist footfall in Mysuru?
If the stakeholders in the tourism industry here are to be believed, the Lok Sabha elections, which end in May, are likely to affect the current tourist season even after the examination season.
Since February this year, there has been a considerable drop in tourist arrivals. One of the reasons cited was examination season almost across the country. But the tourist season is unlikely to pick up even after the examinations get over with the polls taking centre stage thereafter.
With the general elections scheduled in seven phases, the two-month long poll season may have an impact on the arrivals with tourists either rescheduling their itinerary or cancelling their vacations owing to elections.
Elections are scheduled in Karnataka in two phases – April 18 and 23.
Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association president Narayana Gowda said hoteliers here were already worried as the occupancy rate has significantly dropped since February. “The occupancy is around 30-35% now and it appears that the season is unlikely to improve considering the current scenario. Not many bookings/enquiries happen in the wake of elections,” he told The Hindu.
The city’s key tourist destinations — Mysuru palace and the Mysuru zoo — have been wearing a deserted look (even on weekends) for many days.
Mr Gowda told The Hindu that the elections in other States, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, will also impact on the season here since majority of tourists arrive from these States.
Mysuru Travels’ Association president B.S. Prashanth said, “The tourist season used to be active in April and May after the exam season. But, with elections around the corner, the arrivals may not be considerable like the previous year with people busy with elections.”
Meanwhile, the Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association has planned to launch a voter awareness drive by putting up messages on hotel premises. Hotels and restaurants here serve a large number of people daily and the owners want to make use of the customer base to drive home a message and improve voter turnout this election.
Mr. Gowda said a meeting of all hoteliers had been convened on March 31in this connection. Thereafter, posters with voting messages sourced from SVEEP authorities will be distributed to all.
