Himachal Shimla, May 9 With water scarcity plaguing the “Queen of Hills” even before the onset of the summer, the hotel industry has sought the help of the government to ensure the regular and adequate water supply.
“Though hoteliers are trying to meet their demand through water tankers, with the supply being given on the fifth day, it is getting difficult for us to run our units,” said MK Seth, president of the Tourism Industry Stakeholders Association.
He added that the situation was so grave that it could result in the collapse of the hotel industry as business was down by almost 50 per cent as people were avoiding coming to Shimla.
There are 268 registered hotels in Shimla, of which 61 per cent have less than 15 rooms.
The number of rooms on the suburbs is also quite big.
Reports about the water shortage hitting the town were also adversely impacting the tourism.
Some travel agents too admitted that many small hoteliers were turning away walk-in tourists as with the current water situation, it was not possible for them to meet the requirement of all guests.
“We are catering to the guests who have done online booking with the help of 2000 litre tanker which is costing almost Rs 3,500,” admitted Seth.
They point out that there is a booming growth of such flats in and around the town, which is hitting the hotel industry.
The flats are being booked online by people.