Shimla. Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the closure of 18 hotels of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The reason for the closure of these hotels has been said to be the loss incurred by the hotels. Local 18 spoke to experts about how government hotels can get out of losses. Subhash Verma, a retired employee and associated with the hotel business, told Local 18 that it is the failure of the Himachal government that when these hotels were running in loss for a long time, why were they not improved in time.
Entry fee of Rs 250 is charged at Chail Palace Hotel.
Subhash Verma told that he belongs to Chail area. The Palace Hotel here has been closed. This hotel is one of the best hotels. This used to be the palace of Maharaja Patiala. The special thing is that a fee of Rs 250 per person was charged for entry into Chail Hotel and more than 100 people come here every day. There is no entry fee even in the country’s largest hotel, Taj Palace in Mumbai. But, here it is taken. Even in this situation, this hotel is running in loss, which is surprising in itself.
Reason for loss…discount to VIP
Subhash Verma said that the biggest reason for hotels being in loss is the discounts given to VIPs. In these hotels, VIPs are given 20 percent, 30 percent and even more discounts. Apart from this, if any state guest comes then more discount is given for them. Before informing the court about the losses, Tourism Development should have thought about what would happen to the staff working here and their families. Due to closure of hotels, unemployment will increase and hotels will also go into private hands.
Government hotels can go into private hands
Subhash said that if the hotels are auctioned then rich people will take them on lease. It is also possible that people from outside states may take it on lease. Due to this, the local people will lose their jobs and the hotels will also go into the hands of outsiders. HPTDC has many wonderful hotels like Chail Palace, which could have been run better. There has been a lack only in supervision and management. These hotels need improvement. There is no need to privatize them. This kind of closure of hotels is a matter of concern and shows the failure of the government.
How can hotels be revived?
Subhash Verma said that there are about 60 other private hotels around Chail Palace, but those hotels are not in loss. This is a matter of concern and should be considered. To revive the hotels from losses, tourism should be given a chance by giving guidelines, instead of letting the hotels go into the hands of outsiders. If this continues, all government property will go into private hands. Due to this, Himachal will lag behind in the field of employment and tourism.
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 21, 2024, 19:49 IST
