Maharashtra: Tourism, hospitality see revival; business 50-70% of Pre-Covid Days

Tourism and hospitality sectors in Maharashtra are showing first signs of recovery after the second Covid wave struck. Hotels in Mahabaleshwar and Lonavla now have a healthy 50-70% business of the pre-Covid levels, top sources from the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India told TOI on Tuesday. Sherry Bhatia, president of the association, said, “This is the first instance of room bookings picking up at these major tourist spots after the second wave began subsiding. We anticipate that the coming months would bring in more improvement in bookings.” Bhatia said his own resort in Murud-Janjira recently recorded occupancy of 60-70% of the pre-pandemic levels, a first in months. Hoteliers expect a significant increase in occupancy starting November, as against last year, because of the number of fully vaccinated people in Maharashtra and cases still being in check. “This will boost travellers’ confidence to head out,” Bhatia added. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation resorts at these locations have now started clocking 90-95% occupancy in the last few weekends, regional manager Deepak Harane said. Poona Hoteliers Association (PHA) president Sharan Shetty said hotel occupancy in Pune has also doubled to 30% in comparison to the 10-15% figures a month ago. “Post-Diwali, we expect occupancy to increase further with corporate travel picking up. Families have also started enquiring about banquet bookings for weddings. The last few days have seen an increase in enquiries translating into tangible bookings.” Travel companies have seen a significant surge too. Travel portal iXigo sources said that based on booking trends on its website and app, flight bookings have crossed 60% of the pre-Covid levels with airlines consistently carrying more than two lakh passengers every day.