Tourism industry to help scale up voting numbers in Karnataka

BENGALURU: To prevent people from misusing the paid holiday on May 10, announced by the Election Commission, to travel to tourist spots and not turn up to vote, the travel and tourism industry is planning to scale down operations and cater only to out-of-state travellers. Deputy commissioners of some districts have reportedly asked resorts and homestays not to entertain bookings of travellers from Karnataka.Zoo Authority of Karnataka has left a decision to shut zoos to the executive directors, although officials at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru told TOI that the park will be shut for visitors on May 10.
Dr Sunil Panwar, executive director, BBP, said, “Usually Tuesday is our weekly holiday. But next week we will work on Tuesday and close operations on Wednesday (May 10). Our staffers will also take leave to vote on that day. Besides, we are encouraging people to vote instead of coming to the zoo or going on safari on that day.” Similarly, other zoos in Hospet, Gadag, Mangaluru and Belagavi are also mulling adjusting their weekly holidays.
Government sources also said the travel industry will scale down operations on the day of polling. G Jagadeesha, director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) said, “Closing down the entire operation would be difficult for us as we come under essential category of services. Also, summer is peak season for us, and we need to offer our services. We have bookings from several out-of-state travellers who we must serve. Employees will be allowed to take leave to vote. We will continue with our services on a limited scale.”
Many resorts and homestays in Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru have also decided to keep services at a minimum. “Nearly 80% of our staffers are from local areas or from nearby districts,” said a homestay owner in Chikkamagaluru. “They also need to cast their vote, and we will be low on manpower. Hence, we will continue our operations with the staff available and cater only to inter-state travellers who have nothing to do with polls in Karnataka.”