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The proposed hike in Pench, Madhya Pradesh, safari fees is likely to have an impact on the common man and nudge this niche sector more towards the luxury-only segment. For non-central India tourists, basically those travelling at least 500 km or more to reach Pench, such safari trips were anyway big-budget outings, but now the hikes will pinch even Nagpurians, feel some resort owners.
Gaurav Chouksey, a resort owner who was awarded PhD for his research on tigers in Pench, said that Gypsy charges have also been increased to INR 4,000 on all days from the earlier INR 3,000 on premium days.
“There has been a similar percentage wise increase in fees for guide, permit and the golden pass. This in effect puts booking of gypsy to almost INR 10,000 for the weekend. The high fees will gradually kill tourism. Will forests be accessible only to the rich and elite? Everyone should think and collectively some plan needs to be formulated,” Chouksey said.
Claiming that Tripura will soon find its place on the world’s tourism map, Chowdhury said the Asian Development Bank has already sanctioned INR 58.61 crore for the facelift of Chhabimura, unique rock works in Gomati district. “The Centre has agreed to fund INR 70 crore each for the development of tourism destinations in Agartala and Unakoti under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme,” he said.
Sanjay Nagar, who too owns a resort at Pench said that safari trips for outstation tourists was always a costly affair.
“In any case a jungle trip is beyond the reach of the common man. Typically, a three-safari and three nights stay with to and fro from Nagpur, works out to INR 70,000. If we include fare for reaching Nagpur, then this budget goes up to INR 1 lakh,” Nagar said. He added that canters should be introduced in high numbers both with and without prior bookings to counter the price hike.
Gaurav Agarwala said the weekend premium rates were to stagger tourism business over multiple days. “On the weekend there is such a huge rush that you struggle to find rooms in good resorts, whereas on weekdays there’s hardly 20% occupancy at Pench. So, the idea is to stagger the business with weekend tourists paying a premium. This will encourage others to visit Pench on weekdays and avail lower prices,” said Agawala.
He added that of late there has been an increase in non-safari tourists. “Ours is a luxury resort. Almost 60% of tourists come to just chill and don’t even leave the resort,” said Agarwala.
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