Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jan 28: As the Covid gets stronger in the state, the tourism industry is one of those enterprises suffering huge losses. Last year too, tourism was affected by the Coronavirus second wave. At a time when tourism was expected to take off, the increasing Covid19 infections have grounded it again.
During September last year, the tourism sector had somehow limped back to normal. Tourists were sighted again at the beaches, temples and other tourist spots. But within three months, all of this has changed. Except on Saturdays and Sundays, tourists are not at all seen, and the number of visitors coming from other districts and states is almost nil.
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The footfalls were reduced after the night curfew was imposed. With the weekend curfews, the numbers dwindled further. The owners of many stalls, shops around the temple premises, lodges in and near the tourist spots, tourist cars and taxis among many are worried about their future. Even after the government dropped the weekend curfew and lockdown decisions, tourism sectors will bite the dust if entry to tourist spots are banned, feel the people.
Even if the situation turns normal by March, it will not benefit the district much as the number of tourists will be very less because of the examination season. By mid-April they can expect the situation to improve but then the rainy season will be approaching. People who depend on tourism may have to wait till September this year to expect any improvement in the situation.