Hubballi: The election season in northern Karnataka has ushered in much-needed revenue for the beleaguered hospitality sector in the region. With all three major political parties – Congress, BJP and JD(S) campaigning, senior leaders and their followers are descending on sindgi and hangels, filling rooms in hotels, to campaign for their respective candidates. Hotel industry sources in Hubli said they are serving around 100 leaders a day, and expect the number to reach 150 by the end of the campaign.
Ashraf Ali, managing director of Hotel Metropolis, said his establishment has increased by 10 per cent due to the by-election campaign. “After the lockdown imposed earlier this year, the average occupancy fell to 50%, but it has increased to 60%,” Ali said.
Among others, Congress veterans including Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Minister V Somanna, and former CM Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President DK Shivakumar, former minister UT Khadar. Sources in political parties said that around 100 people, including leaders, their assistants and followers, were staying at various hotels in Hubli. He said with the polling date approaching, there is a possibility of double the number of people staying in hotels.
A hotelier on Gokul Road in Hubli said there were going to be around two or three events at his establishment before the by-elections. “It has pumped much needed oxygen to our business,” he said.
A hotel owner on Airport Road in Hubli admitted to establishments located near the airport that registered more business during the by-election. “Leaders prefer to stay close to the airport to avoid the crowd of their followers,” he said.
Taxi driver Sunil Khatwate said that the travel industry has also benefited during the election season. “Since senior leaders travel by private vehicles, we do not get much business from them. However, those who are not so prominent or in high ranks use our services,” he said.
Ashraf Ali, managing director of Hotel Metropolis, said his establishment has increased by 10 per cent due to the by-election campaign. “After the lockdown imposed earlier this year, the average occupancy fell to 50%, but it has increased to 60%,” Ali said.
Among others, Congress veterans including Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Minister V Somanna, and former CM Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President DK Shivakumar, former minister UT Khadar. Sources in political parties said that around 100 people, including leaders, their assistants and followers, were staying at various hotels in Hubli. He said with the polling date approaching, there is a possibility of double the number of people staying in hotels.
A hotelier on Gokul Road in Hubli said there were going to be around two or three events at his establishment before the by-elections. “It has pumped much needed oxygen to our business,” he said.
A hotel owner on Airport Road in Hubli admitted to establishments located near the airport that registered more business during the by-election. “Leaders prefer to stay close to the airport to avoid the crowd of their followers,” he said.
Taxi driver Sunil Khatwate said that the travel industry has also benefited during the election season. “Since senior leaders travel by private vehicles, we do not get much business from them. However, those who are not so prominent or in high ranks use our services,” he said.
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