As footfalls go up in Mysore, hotels expect windfall

The hospitality sector in Mysore, which took a hit in the last two years owing to drought and the Cauvery agitation, is hoping for better occupancy rates this Dasara.

The response has been better this year compared to the previous years. Industry insiders, however, say that they were expecting much more.

The occupancy rate in the city hotels was not more than 50 per cent last year during the initial days of the festivities. This year, about 60 to 70 per cent of the rooms are full.

The last two days of Dasara, Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami, had also failed to pull the crowds last year.

“The city hotels had recorded just 80 per cent occupancy during the last two days in 2012. This year, the tourist inflow has drastically improved. But we had anticipated a better turnout this year, given that there is a change of government and wide publicity was given,” said Rajendra, president of the Mysore Hoteliers’ Association.

Rajendra noted that usually no discounts are offered during Dasara at any hotels.

There are six five-star hotels, around 20 three to four star hotels, around 100 budget hotels and 250 ordinary lodges. The tariff ranges from Rs 500 a night to a maximum of Rs 20,000 per night. There are about 7,000 rooms available in total in the city. 

Rajendra said there were plenty of enquiries about hotel bookings for the last three days of Dasara - October 12, 13 and 14.

The Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) and hotels of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation also cite the same trend of higher occupancy rate for the last three days. JLR had expected higher bookings between October 14 and 20 at its properties in Bandipur, Kabini and K Gudi.

“Since there are three holidays during the week, we had expected maximum booking during the period. But that’s not the case,” said an official. Vivek Choudhary, who heads sales and marketing at Country Inn Suites and Resorts, said the hotel was established only last December and the occupancy rate was just 40 per cent now.

“We have received enquiries post October 11 and are hoping for 70 per cent occupancy. We are also working out some packages to attract tourists,” he added.