Lack of civic sense hits domestic tourism in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Domestic travellers increased by 1 per cent in the last one year in the state, showing state of affairs at the local tourism. 

Travel agents stated that this year the booking has come down compared with previous years due to constant rains, bad roads and less tourist spots apart from the Charminar, Salar Jung Museum and the Golconda Fort. 

Mr P. Srinivas, a travel agent, said, “Bookings from local tourists are less this year. There are group bookings every year during Diwali. But this year that is not the case.”

Travel agents stated that apart from the three heritage sites, other locations in the city have not grabbed the attention of visitors. 

The government has been trying to promote the Medak Fort, which is 100 km from the city. But the response has been lukewarm. Both the Golconda Fort and the Medak Fort are promoted but takers are few for the latter. It is mostly the adventure buffs who opt for it. 

The dip in number is also attributed to the in-creased traffic, lack of civic sense and lack of public transport. 

Mr Satish Reddy, a travel agent, said, “Most of them hire private cars which have become a costly affair.” 

While domestic travellers saw a downfall, there has been a 39 per cent increase in international travellers, attending conferences, medical and wellness centres in the city. These travellers come to the city for work-cum-travel basis.