Mussoorie Tourism Bounces Back After September Rains; Hotels See 25-30% Dussehra Bookings

The tourism sector in Mussoorie, which was badly affected by heavy rains and landslides in the second half of September, is gradually getting back on track. Roads have started seeing increased tourist movement over the past three days as visitors arrive to celebrate the Dussehra holiday.

Hotels in the Queen of the Hills have reported 25-30 per cent bookings for the Dussehra period, with hoteliers hopeful of higher occupancy by Diwali. Sanjay Agarwal, President of the Mussoorie Hotel Association, noted that hotel occupancy was around 20 per cent last weekend, adding that tourist inquiries for new bookings are rising, though still lower than previous years.

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Tourists are now being seen at popular spots including Company Garden, George Everest, Char Dukan, Kempty Falls, and Bhatta Falls. Agarwal said that if the weather remains favourable, the festive season could see a strong influx, especially from states like Gujarat and Bengal. The Mussoorie-Dehradun road is currently open 24 hours, although travel is restricted between 7 PM and 6 AM as per government orders.

The central government’s reduction in the GST rate from 12 per cent to 5 per cent has provided significant relief to the tourism sector. For instance, a room previously costing Rs 5,000 with 12 per cent GST (total Rs 5,600) now costs Rs 5,250 under the new slab, saving tourists Rs 350. 

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Rajat Agarwal, President of the Mussoorie Traders and Welfare Association, said traders and consumers are pleased with the reduced rates, though some are still selling stock at old prices.

However, Uttarakhand Hotel Association President Sandeep Sahni highlighted that while GST rates have fallen, hoteliers will not receive the benefit of Input Tax Credit (ITC) under the new slab, resulting in a direct loss. He urged the government to allow ITC benefits for businesses.