Cyclone Montha Brings Tourism to a Halt in Odisha

The impending Cyclone Montha has triggered a significant decline in intrastate travel in Odisha, with hotel occupancy dropping from 80% to 50% between Sunday and Monday. The majority of the decline involves unplanned, on-the-spot check-ins by tourists from Odisha, whereas pre-bookings from other states remain stable. The impact is most pronounced in Puri, which typically attracts about 90% of the state's tourists, with a notable decrease in the number of intrastate travelers due to concerns about potential disruptions.

Key Takeaways:

• Hotel occupancy in Odisha dropped from 80% to 50% between Sunday and Monday due to Cyclone Montha.
• The decline in tourists primarily involves unplanned, on-the-spot check-ins by tourists from Odisha.
• Pre-bookings from other states, such as West Bengal, remain unaffected.
• Puri, which typically attracts 90% of Odisha's tourists, has seen a significant decrease in intrastate travelers.
• Travellers are concerned about potential disruptions due to anticipated heavy rainfall.
• The government has advised visitors to remain indoors on Tuesday and Wednesday and to avoid beaches during these days for their safety.
• The Puri district administration has been instructed to ensure the safety of elderly pilgrims at the Jagannath Temple.

Statistics:

• 80% hotel occupancy in Odisha on Sunday before Cyclone Montha.
• 50% hotel occupancy in Odisha on Monday, a day before the cyclone's expected landfall.
• 90% of Odisha's tourists typically visit Puri.
• The cyclone is expected to impact intrastate travel in Odisha, particularly in Puri.

Sources:

• "Cyclone Montha Impact: Odisha Hotels, Tourist Places See Drastic Dip" by Times Content (_lstm_.
• Interview with Raj Kishore Patra, vice-chairman of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO)
• Interview with Debasis Kumar, executive committee member of HRAO
• Statement by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.