Cancellations hit tourism business exhausting as Covid uncertainty takes its toll on bookings

PUNE amid rising Covid cases and new restrictions, the tourism industry is preparing for another lost season.

March-June is the high season for tour operators. Last year there was a lockdown during this time and this year a similar situation exists.

Due to an expected lockdown, many tours planned for April have been canceled.

“I had six tours planned in April, but I had to cancel because of this currently uncertain situation. These tours were to Kashmir. People are ready to travel, but the uncertainty of government decisions is holding them back. They fear the lockdown. Mandatory Covid tests for travelers have also created confusion. People canceled trips in April. There is still a lot of uncertainty for May. Due to the situation in Covid, the entire chain of the tourism industry is affected, ”said Ajit Takalkar, tour operator of Pravas – the Journey Tour Company.

Tour operators say only five to ten percent of bookings were made before Covid this year.

“I had planned a trip to Kashmir with my family in May. Covid cases have increased exponentially recently. We decided to cancel and leave when the vaccine becomes available to everyone. Government decisions have also changed daily. We don’t want to get stuck. We decided that when there is clarity and the situation stabilizes, it is better to travel, ”said Pratik Arsade, a tourist from the city who was ready to visit Kashmir.

“Everyone in the tourism industry is affected by this pandemic. Agents, transport companies, hoteliers, guides, all of which are affected. Many flights have been postponed. In these uncertain times, it has become difficult to coordinate. We didn’t get any help from the government. The uncertainty hit this business, ”said Vijay Mandlik, tour operator and member of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India.

Weekend lockdowns at an MTDC resort

Given the limitations of Covid, many prefer nearby locations for family outings. Many also prefer to spend the lockdown weekends at resorts in the hills near Pune.

“Bookings and visits are comparatively fewer, but we have received a good response for weekend bookings since the closure for the weekend was declared. We offer the opportunity to work from nature. Wifi connection is available. Although the restaurants are closed, room service is available. Many prefer to spend the weekend in MTDC resorts close to nature, ”said Deepak Harne, regional manager of Maharshtra Tourism Development Corporation Pune.