You stay, we pay

Hotels offer exclusive packages for 26/11 anniversary to attract tourists

The memories of 26/11 will never fade. Not in India. And if the fallen figures of foreign tourists is anything to go by, not anywhere else in the world. India lost out on an estimated 3.25 lakh foreign tourists because of the attacks.

Now, almost a year on, the hotel industry in Pune is doing its bit to woo back tourists.u00a0 Hotels are offering discounts and add-ons to Mumbaikars and foreign tourists.

Atul Upadhya, GM, Pride Hotel, said, "We are offering a 30 per cent discount on tariff and 10 per cent on food and beverages. All the offers are for the 26/11 anniversary. We also plan to introduce special facilities for guests from Mumbai."

Courtyard by Marriott in Hinjewadi has introduced a 'You stay, we pay' offer. As per the offer, a guest will be given Rs 1,000 for a one-night stay and Rs 2,000 for a two-night stay. The guest can use the money at the restaurant and bar, or for suite upgrades, airport transfers, Internet and other facilities. "The offer is to woo tourists," said a Courtyard employee.

However, considering the magnitude of the tragedy, not everyone is willing to admit that the offers are related to the 26/11 anniversary.

Anup Arora, GM, Corinth-ian Hotel said, "Some offers will be introduced by next week, but they are unrelated to the 26/11 tragedy. The offers are meant to draw more customers during winter. We will offer add-on facilities like use of the spa, free meals, etc."