Revenge Travel Eases Hoteliers' Worries

While Experts Warn Of Fresh Surge In Covid Infections, Industry Relieved At Resurgence In Spending

- Amin Ali

New Delhi: Revenge travel is the term being used to describe the huge rush of tourists to destinations near Delhi. Images of overcrowded roads and tourist spots are being widely shared, worrying the government because of the implications for the spread of Covid-19 infection, especially with the revellers paying no heed to Covid-appropriate behaviour. This has, however, breathed a fresh lease of life into the beleaguered hospitality sector. Indeed, a study by credit card platform CRED has recorded a rise in card spends on travel and leisure after the easing of the lockdown.

Once faced with the closure of hotels, today even homes in Uttarakhand are being turned into homestays to cater to this revenge travel rush, said a hotelier. Along with big hotel chains, boutique hotels and smaller groups are relieved at the arrival of the tourists. “This is good news for all hotels in the hills,” enthused Vinit Chhabra, GM, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg. In a similar vein, Danish Din, director, The Grand Dragon Ladakh, added, “Having seen a bleak season last year, this is definitely a welcome sign.” Din hoped the ‘dream run’ for establishments like his continued and guests behaved responsibly.