Even as World Tourism Day will be observed globally on Wednesday, there are signs of gloom descending amongst the locals of Matheran, one of the smallest and most popular hill stations in India.
With tourism season all set to kick off next month, Matheran locals say they are staring at huge losses, with no signs of the most popular attraction, the toy train, resuming services.
As per locals whose economy depends on tourism, by September every year most of the hotels and resorts are half reserved. This year, however, the booking has not even touched 10%.
"Matheran is one of the most preferred destinations for many people, especially those willing to spend a couple of days away from the bustles of city. There are many families who neither prefer walking from Aman Lodge to Matheran, nor do they prefer riding the horses. These tourists only depend on the toy train services. Despite repeatedly asking CR to at least announce when the services would begin all they have are excuses," said former Matheran Municipal Councillor Manoj Khedkar.
The local tourism benefits the most from families and people coming to the hill station to spend two to three days, he said, adding that currently a majority of people visiting Matheran were one-day picnickers.
"We will soon have a meeting and think of the next course of action if CR does not announce about the toy train services by October 1," he said.
Sena Councillor Prasad Sawant too said this could end up to be the worst tourism season for locals. "CR has kept us clueless. We don't know if the toy train services will begin on October 2 or after Diwali. Most of the hotels begin getting bookings from September-end, but this year there are not even 10% bookings for tourism season that will begin by October 15," he said.
Meanwhile CR officials said the tourism season was not as important as safety of passengers. Since there have been many train accidents all over the country, the CR cannot take the risk. "As of now there are no plans to run the toy trains in Matheran. We have not finalised any date," said Sunil Udasi, Chief PRO, CR.
Seeking better days
With tourism season all set to kick off next month, Matheran locals say they are staring at huge losses, with no signs of the most popular attraction, the toy train, resuming services.
Local tourism benefits most from the tourists who come to the hill station.
CR officials said tourism season was not as important as the safety of passengers.
