’We will not woo tourists’

City hoteliers refuse to offer lucrative packages on 26/11 anniversaryHotels in Pune are wooing tourists by offering attractive and exclusive packages to commemorate the 26/11 terror attacks anniversary. However, in Mumbai, hotels are in no mood to celebrate.The hospitality industry has faced a huge setback post 26/11. The impact of the attack can still be felt. The industry is just picking up and remembering this appalling day would be of no good to anyone, said Suresh Talera, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association- Western India.India lost out on an estimated 3.25 lakh foreign tourists after the attacks. Most city hoteliers have decided to remain silent about remembering the tragic day. Fear factorUsing November 26 as the medium to woo tourists may further scare those tourists who plan to visit Mumbai, added an official.The attacks were aimed at foreigners and popular tourist spots in south Mumbai were the prime targets. Armed terrorists attacked two five-star hotels, Taj Mahal Palace and Towers and the Trident and Leopold's, a famous eatery frequented by foreigners in Colaba.We are planning to offer a silent prayer on November 26. It's better to salute the brave men rather than offering vouchers to guests.u00a0It's ridiculous to offer such discounts, said Rishi Puri, group general manager, Ramada Powai and the Residence Hotel.Day to forgetSpokesperson from ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton too echoed Puri's sentiments. This is a day to forget and look forward to a better future, not woo tourists. We may offer prayers through the day, said the spokesperson.A south Mumbai hotelier grumbled saying, Even after reducing the room rates by nearly 40 per cent, room occupancy has gone down by almost 60 per cent. As reported by MiD DAY earlier, Mumbai became the second city after Moscow to witness a fall in room tariffs.Discounts in PunePride Group of Hotel and Courtyard by J W Marriott in Hinjewadi, Pune have decided to offer free vouchers and discounts to woo tourists on 26/11. The Pride is offering a 30 per cent discount on tariff and 10 per cent on food and beverages on November 26. The Courtyard is offering vouchers of Rs 1,000 to use for hotel facilities. 60%The drop in room occupancy in Mumbai hotels after 26/11 3.25 lakhThe number of tourists India lost out on after the terror attacks Drop in room rates City Average price per room per night Jan-June 2009 Average price per room per night Jan-June 2008 Percentage change year-on-year Moscow $218 $452 -52% Mumbai $163 $279 -42% Auckland $84 $139 -40% Warsaw $93 $151 -38% Singapore $141 $219 -35%

'We will not woo tourists'