Do We Recognize - Atithi Devo Bhav? Anymore

Budget hotels and Guest Houses in Delhi are experiencing a very long lean period. This began much before the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, The then government, realizing the need of rooms required during games introduced bed n breakfast scheme. In addition, subsidized bank loan were made available to the approved hotels and guest houses. The projection of rooms requirement, a disastrous calculation by the organizers, left the Hotels and Guest Houses owners not only without business but with the hefty debts. Even today, most of them have not come out of the woods.

Owners and operators of budget accommodations incurred losses because of low occupancy and bear the burden of repayment of loans. Some of them lost their heart and just could not complete the renovation on time and lost the privilege of subsidy also.

In any case, one should not waste time in analyzing who to blame. The story does not end here.

The fall in tourist inflow due to advisories issued by the high commission and consulate of different nations made an adverse effect which resulted in further fall in the rate of occupancy. As a matter of fact, it was a horrifying situation and we were in the limelight as a city, as a nation for wrong and gray  reasons.

“Atithi Devo Bhav” lost its literal meaning.

Recession made a mild effect but scams created mistrust. Masses began to look for the change. Rallies were organized by the social activist, politicians and religious leaders, and the media exuberated the sadness.

How can one expect a visitor to be in such a place where huge gatherings are conducted to dislodge the ruling party? Obviously one would prefer to avoid. This was yet another contributory factor to the depression in the business.

This chapter of history is to be closed by opening a new one. We have a newly elected government in the centre with full majority who has shown interest in skill development. To improve the services, we need to create an honest, tout free force, which can provide the complete information and also the services to the guest from within and outside the country.  Declaration of tourism by the states as Industry is not enough.

Considering the fact, government should provide some relief to the budget hotels and guest houses in Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Janpath Guest House, Paharganj and Mahipalpur. We need to regain what we have lost in past few years by providing value for money and feel home kind of services to encourage them keeping in mind “Atithi Devo Bhav”.

Let’s pride the hope of Incredible India!

~Rakesh Kumar Bagga