Decline in number of tourists hits tourism

The decrease in the number of tourists visiting the Chikkamagaluru district has hit the tourism sector this year.

Till November-end 2018, 48 lakh tourists have visited various tourist spots in the district. As many as 73 lakh tourists paid a visit to the tourist spots in the district between January and November-end in 2017. The decline in the number of tourists has affected those depending on tourism for their livelihood. Heavy rain and landslides in Malnad, affecting the road connectivity during monsoon, have affected the footfall of tourists. Further, the tourists spots lack basic facilities, including toilets
and parking.

The coffee land has been attracting tourists for its beauty and is known for Bababudangiri, Kemmannugundi, Kalhatti waterfalls, Amrithapura, Sringeri, Balehonnur, Horanadu, Kalasa, Kudremukh, Muthodi waterfalls, Belavadi and other spots.

Hotels, lodges, homestays and tourist taxi owners are depending on tourists for their living. “The tourist footfall is less during weekends. Even the booking of rooms has also reduced. Compared to last year, there is a 30% decline in the number of tourists who visit the district,” Vasanth Vihar Hotel Manager
Sadashiva said.

Last year, 45 lakh visitors had visited Sringeri. This year, the number has come down to 20 lakh. Last year 28 lakh people had visited Horanadu while this year it is only 13 lakh.

Holadagadde Girish of District Homestay Owners’ Association said, “The tourists are not keen on visiting Malnad following heavy rain and landslides that hit the region during monsoon.”

There has been a decline in IT-BT employees visiting the district. The Tourism Department should give priority to improve basic facilities at the tourist spots, taxi driver
Hinayath Khan said.

The year and the number of tourists visiting the district are as follows: 2015- 79.47 lakh; 2016-83.29 lakh; 2017-84.39 lakh and 2018-48.08 lakh (till November-end) (Source: Tourism Department).