Ground report: Prayagraj hotels see 60% fall in bookings after Kumbh stampede
Hotel bookings in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj have seen a decline of 40-60 per cent following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh on January 29, which killed 30 people and injured 60 others.
India Today TV conducted an on-ground investigation about the cancelled hotel bookings in Prayagraj, with 40-60 per cent of pilgrims cancelling their visits.
Harjinder Singh, the president of the Prayagraj Hotel and Restaurant Welfare Association, noted that cancellations ranged from 40 per cent to 60 per cent between January 29 and February 4, and 30-35 per cent on average from February 5 to 26.
STRUGGLING TO COPE, SAYS HOTELIERS
Hotel RR In's manager, Mukul Kumar, said the sudden cancellation of bookings has severely impacted the hotel industry. "The situation is grim and we are struggling to cope with the losses," he said.
Similarly, Star In Hotel's manager, Anil Shrivastava, mentioned that despite the Amrit Snan being held today, the roads were empty and the hotel was not witnessing its usual influx of guests.
Although few hotel managers have different percentages about the decline in hotel booking, The Golden Villa's booking manager, Taukeer Siddiqui, reported a 20 per cent cancellation in bookings, with rooms being cancelled at double the usual rate.
HOTEL OWNERS SAY EFFORTS ON TO REASSURE GUESTS
Hotel owners are attempting to reassure potential guests that the situation is under control, but the stampede's impact on the hotel industry is undeniable. The hotel associations are making efforts to promote Maha Kumbh and attract more visitors.
The Maha Kumbh, which takes place every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees from across the country.
The stampede occurred on Mauni Amavasya - considered an auspicious day for holy dips - on January 29, when thousands of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam - the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati rivers.
Hotel managers said that prior to the stampede, hotels were fully booked, but since then, cancellations have poured in. Ankit Tiwari, Assistant Director of Hotel Millennium Inn, said, "The stampede has resulted in around 40 per cent decline in business. All bookings have been cancelled, and 506 rooms have been cancelled in Delhi alone."
Divyanshu, owner of Hotel Nirvana Bliss, said, "After the incident on Mauni Amavasya, people are hesitant to come due to fear. The administration is providing full support and security, but people are still cautious."
Hotel managers reported that numerous bookings have been cancelled, with some pilgrims shifting their dates to avoid the crowds.
SMALL VENDORS FACING HEAT
The impact of the stampede is also being felt by small vendors at the Maha Kumbh. As the crowd decreases, businesses are also slowing down. Vendors selling candies, snacks, toys and other items reported that their daily earnings have dropped to between Rs 500-800 from a high of Rs 2,000-3,000.
Some vendors attributed the decline in sales to the stampede, saying that people are now hesitant to visit the fair. Others say that the crowd usually decreases after Mauni Amavasya.
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