ITC Maurya removes virtual tour from its website
ITC Maurya removes virtual tour from its website
The palatial ITC Maurya is waiting with bated breath for its most illustrious guest of the year, US President Barack Obama. The five-star hotel, apart from guarding the security and culinary arrangements under a heavy veil of secrecy, has also removed the online virtual tour of the facilities from its official website.
A webshot of ITC Maurya says that virtual room tours are unavailable.
The virtual tour of the hotel consisted of a sequence of moving or still images with other multimedia elements such as sound effects, music, narration, and text.
A spokesperson for the Hotel said the virtual tour has been shut down for repair. But insiders point out that it is often done when state dignitaries visit. Interestingly, virtual tours of ITC's properties in Bengaluru, Agra and Mumbai are still on.
Reportedly, President Obama's security officials are already staying in the property and are monitoring it. Booking for all the 440 rooms have been stopped during the stay of the President. However, the virtual tour of Taj Mahal Palace, which houses Obama in Mumbai, is still active.
When MiD DAY called up the media relations department of the hotel last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the respondent disconnected saying, "We don't have anything to say." The hotel was one of the eight places that were attacked during the 26/11 terror strikes.u00a0
Former Joint Director of Intelligence Bureau and noted security expert MK Dhar told MiD DAY that the virtual tour might not have been a "potential" security hazard.
"I believe the local administration would've been involved in the decision. However, it is a good step. It would be hyperbolic though to compare it with what happened at Taj Mumbai during the 26/11 terrorist attacks," he said.
who's been here |
Former Russian President Vladimir Putin |
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