Himachal Floods Trigger Tourism Surge In Maharashtra, Goa
The incessant rains and consequent floods in Himachal Pradesh may have given a major blow to the tourism industry in the state, but Himachal’s loss is gain for Maharashtra and Goa. Tourists who wish to travel are now diverting their holiday plans to Maharashtra’s hill stations like Lonavala and Panvel, Goa and southern destinations like Coorg.
Insiders from the tourism sector say that post covid, travel lovers do not want to leave any opportunity to take a break. “Summers and monsoons are the biggest time for travelling and post covid, people are opening up to travel. With the situation in Himachal not suitable for tourists, people looked at other destinations and places like Goa and even UP gained from this trend,” says Animesh Mahajan, a travel operator from Varanasi. Mahajan’s company shifted over a dozen travel packages from Himachal to Maharashtra’s hill stations like Lonavala and even Goa.
Deepak Dhayal of Kinghills travel too shared similar sentiments. “Even though there were recent rains in Himachal Pradesh, the number of tourists going to places like the hills of Maharashtra, Coorg, and Kashmir has gone up. Even though natural disasters can be challenging, it seems that people's desire to travel and enjoy the beauty of these places won out. This trend has made many people wonder how strong the travel community is. The fact that more tourists are going to Maharashtra hills, Coorg, and Kashmir shows how much they want to see the natural beauty of our land.”
Dhayal added, “Local companies in these areas are getting more business from tourists who want to experience the beauty and peace of these places. We have received 500 bookings from PAN India and majorly the last minute 300-350 bookings that have been cancelled to avoid the HP region & our 70-80 bookings were stuck nearby Manali. Comparatively, Coorg Ooty, Pondicherry, Goa are reasonably much safer and thus more tourists prefer these locations during the rainy season. This year we have witnessed 12% more bookings than last year.
Shiv Bose, General Manager DoubleTree By Hilton Goa Panaji said, “This monsoon season has certainly brought its share of magic as tourists flock to picturesque locations to experience the beauty of nature in full glory. Hotels and resorts set in vibrant backdrops have seen a surge in tourism. Though all coastal areas have received their share of heavy downpour, the millimetre count of rainfall in the news channels have certainly not dismayed domestic tourists.” He added, “DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji has seen a significant rise in bookings this year as our family friendly resort is centrally located between both airports and tourists spots, offering unique mesmerising views of the Mandovi river and the natural lush green hills.
Shaheen Arsiwalla, Partner - Anglo Indian Cafe & Bistro Lonavala said that the trend shows that travel lovers don't want to stop. "Ever since the pandemic there has been a big surge in tourism and people travelling to the Lonavala, Khandala region. There has been a long needed requirement for trendy and unique cafes and villas in Lonavala, which Anglo Indian and Le Sutra Great Escapes both fill the gap for in the market. These events that are happening like the floods currently, have redirected people to travel to nearby locations to get away for a break. Khandala this time of year is at its peak in terms of natural scenic beauty and weather and nature lovers who are unable to go to Himachal are happily coming to Lonavala to enjoy and take a break."
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