Tourist numbers tumble in snow-capped Murree
The number of tourists visiting Murree fell considerably this season compared with the same season last year after the local administration put in place a stringent regime, allowing only a limited number of visitors to the hill station to avoid and repetition of the last year’s tragedy that claimed 23 lives.
Tourism is a vital source of income for many including hotel owners, who complained that their income has started drying up after the strict security regime.
The tourism sector suffered another blow this year when the local administration, on the directives of the Punjab government, has limited the entry of vehicles to 8,000 per day.
Despite snowfall, a few tourists are visiting Murree owing to the overenthusiastic security measures that have been taken by the local administration and the police.
Businesses especially the hotel sector in Murree have started feeling the pinch and hoteliers said they were facing severe losses after the number of visitors plummeted.
Sources said that hotel bookings have been the lowest this season despite the recent snowfall in Murree.
Hotel owners said that security measures should be eased to promote tourism in Murree. People connected with the hotel business in Murree told The Express Tribune that after the Murree tragedy, the Punjab government has implemented the strictest strict security regime, which is driving tourists away and they chose to choose to visit other tourist destinations.
They said that the coronavirus had already taken a heavy toll on Murree's hotel industry, resulting in the closure of numerous functional businesses, and new security measures are proving counter-productive to the hotel and other sectors which mostly rely on tourism.
The hotel owners also said that there had been two snowfalls in Murree this season and the authorities kept the roads open, but a few tourists traveled to Murree. They said that just 4,000 vehicles reached Murree during the snowfall even though 8,000 vehicles were supposed to enter the hill station.
According to them, the hotel industry suffered significantly after the Murree tragedy as it instilled fear in people.
They said that the stringent security measures are mostly to blame for the lack of interest from tourists. The hotel owners said that they wait all day to receive tourists but in a vain.
In the past, it was almost difficult to find a hotel room during the winter season. This year, however, every hotel is vacant, sources said.
They said that visitors from Rawalpindi and Islamabad return in the evening without staying in hotels.
Murree Deputy Commissioner Ahmad Hassan Ranjha said that in order to facilitate travellers visiting Murree, they have had countless meetings with hoteliers and they are providing all basic services against reasonable charges
He said that they cannot compromise on security in the name of boosting tourism in Murree. He said that 7,000 vehicles entered Murree over the past weekend. He said that the policy of the entry of 8,000 vehicles per day was in place as per the Punjab government policy.
He said that 13 facilitation centers have been established in Murree to facilitate tourists and all roads were open. “We won't stop tourists from visiting Murree. We encourage them to visit Murree but they should adhere to safety precautions. Murree has all the machinery and facilities this year."
Authorities have put in place emergency measures to facilitate the tourists during the heavy snowfall expected in the next few days. The authorities said that considering the parking shortage in Murree, not more than 8,000 vehicles will be allowed to enter Murree.
Rescue 1122 has deployed 13 ambulances, eight fire tankers and 20 rescue motorbikes while searchlights, snow shovels, oxygen cylinders and other equipment have been provided to the deployed personnel.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in bad weather and during snowfall.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed tourists to wear long and warm dresses to protect themselves from cough, flu and other diseases. The advisory said that motorists should stop vehicles from time to time and avoid using heaters for more than 10 minutes.
“All the authorities concerned are advised to remain alert and vigilant to guide the commuters and refrain from laxity to avoid any loss of life and property,” the PDMA advisory said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2023.