Tourism in Gujarat affected badly by cash crunch

AHMEDABAD: Tourism in Gujarat has taken a hit after the currency ban was announced more than two weeks ago, as potential visitors are choosing to hold on to their money during the cash crunch, industry sources say.
"People don't have sufficient cash after demonetisation, that's why they are avoiding travelling. Tourists are cancelling advance bookings too. (The) tourism industry has (been) affected badly due to (the) currency ban," Gunvant Thakkar, ex-president of the Gujarat tourist vehicle association said.
For example, tourists have been cancelling advance bookings for the Kutch Rann Utsav, an annual festival which this year started on November 1, and will go on till February 20.Other attractions, such as the Polo forest, the Small Desert of Kutch, Pavagadh, and Dakor have also recorded a decrease in tourist numbers.
Even the Gir forest, home of the Asiatic lion, hasn't been spared.
While visitors from several states - as well as other countries - come to Gir during this season, a "big dip" in tourist numbers due to the cash crunch has left and most hotel and resort rooms vacant, Hamir Bade, president of the Gir Hotel Association, said.
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Content courtesy: Nav Gujarat Samay