Despite ongoing Indo-Pak tensions, Mysuru and nearby tourist hotspots are witnessing a surge in tourist inflow, especially during the peak season. The number of visitors to popular destinations like the Mysuru Palace has almost tripled compared to the off-season, with no major decline in domestic tourism except a slight dip from North Indian states.
From March 1–12 (off-season), Mysuru Palace saw 70,104 visitors. This rose to 1,30,838 between April 1–12 and peaked at 1,96,848 from May 1–12. This year’s May footfall surpassed last year’s 1,76,527 visitors in the same period. Mysuru Zoo also reported nearly double the visitors compared to March.
While there’s a 5–10% drop in tourists from states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, Southern states are filling the gap. “About 70% of tourists are from Karnataka, and 25–30% from neighboring southern states,” said C Narayana Gowda, president of Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association.
Hotel occupancy now stands at 75% on weekdays and 90% on weekends — a sharp rise from March’s 40% weekday and 70–75% weekend rates.
However, rising operational costs have pushed tariffs up. “Hotel and resort charges have increased by 25–30% due to fuel price hikes, electricity and grocery costs,” noted M Ravi, former vice-president of the Karnataka Tourism Forum. Transport expenses have also climbed 10–20%.
Meanwhile, Karnataka tourists are also heading to Ooty and Wayanad, where bookings have surged again after a brief slump last year.
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