In light of the Assembly Elections in November and the recent World Cup cricket matches, numerous Gujarati tourists, unable to visit in November, have now set their sights on December. Hotel reservations for Christmas and New Year celebrations are currently in high demand, with online travel portals showing bookings reaching up to 90% in several prominent hotels. As a result, only a limited number of rooms are reported to be available among them.

As travelers adjust their plans, the hospitality industry is experiencing a surge in bookings, particularly for festive occasions like Christmas and New Year. The online travel portals, serving as a barometer for travel trends, reveal a remarkable 90% occupancy rate in many of the top hotels.

With the influx of reservations, there is a growing scarcity of available rooms, emphasizing the popularity of December as a preferred time for travel among the tourists. As the holiday season approaches, those planning last-minute might find limited options, given the current high demand for accommodations. At present, you can book a room at a five-star hotel by Pichola Lake for Rs. 45,000/-. However, during the final two days of December, the same room is being offered at Rs. 1.25/- lakh and with taxes included, the price goes up to Rs. 1.50/- lakh. Around Christmas, specifically on December 25,2023, the room is available for up to Rs. 90,000/-.

Business insiders in the hotel industry report that significant advance bookings have been secured for major five-star hotels in December. The tourism department anticipates a full occupancy of hotels and resorts in this region by mid-December this season. Tourists from various parts of the country are actively seeking information regarding sightseeing and accommodation facilities. The demand for bookings suggests a bustling travel season ahead.

The Diwali tourist season witnessed a decline of 15 to 20 percent in tourist arrivals due to ongoing legislative elections. Travelers had to pause their journeys at different locations, ranging from the Gujarat border to the city, owing to security checks. Rakesh Chaudhary, the Secretary of the Hotel Institution in South Rajasthan, shared that budget hotels have introduced an exclusive New Year celebration package. This package offers a 2-night, 3-day stay for couples at the cost of Rs. 25,000/-. The package offers a New Year's DJ night and includes food. There is anticipation of a thriving business this December. However, there haven't been any specific changes in the prices for this package. 

Source: Dainik Bhaskar