Wanted: Tourists

The tourism sector in Uttarakhand which bore the brunt of the heavy rains during the monsoon, is yet to recover from the loss incurred during that period. S P Kochar, President of Uttarakhand Hotel Association, said the occupancy rate has fallen to 10-20 per cent. The Chardham yatra, the mainstay of Garhwal's economy, has also come to a halt due to heavy landslides in the region. "We are not getting any fresh booking," said a hotelier from Uttarkashi. The tourist rush has also been hit badly at hill resorts of Mussoorie and Nainital. The rafting circuit comprising nearly 109 companies has failed to take off mainly due to licensing issue. Most of the trekking activities have also been affected especially due to avalanches in the higher reaches. The occupancy rate in the state-run tourist rest houses and forest rest houses has also come down drastically. Adding to the woes, the monsoon may delay the reopening of Corbett and Rajaji national parks.