Mysuru braces for surging crowd this long weekend

Mysuru: The heritage city of the state is getting ready for an influx of tourists this weekend. According to tourism and hospitality stakeholders, most hotels and homestays in and around Mysuru are fully booked as of Friday night. Till Vijaya Dashami, which falls on October 5, the rates of hotel rooms have nearly doubled following a surge in inquiries.
Meanwhile, the stakeholders in the tourism sector have demanded at least 30,000 Dasara gold cards to cater to the growing demand from tourists. Prashanth BS, hon president of Mysuru Travels’ Association, and C Narayana Gowda, president of Mysuru District Hotel Owners’ Association confirmed that the city is witnessing a huge influx of tourists starting from Friday night. “The hotel rooms are filled to full capacity, and the business is good,” said Prashanth.
He expressed his anger over the limited number of gold cards available. “Just 500 gold passes were released. Inside the palace premises, 30,000 tourists can be accommodated. The tour operators are really upset with the way in which these issues are handled,” he said.
“We raised this issue with the district administration. The state government must address this issue immediately. As Dasara is the only major event for Mysuru tourism sector, the local stakeholders must be given priority,” he said.
Surge in prices
According to tourists and hotel industry insiders, the rates of hotel rooms are surging for the long weekend. “Hotels near the Jamboo Savari road are charging extra for the tourists. A few informed us that hotels located on the Dasara procession route are charging extra with the assurance of a Dasara procession view. This practice is followed due to high demand,” said Narayana Gowda.
“Surge pricing is followed even by the government departments and agencies. Dasara is the only major business event for Mysuru hotels and the tourism industry,” he said.