BELAGAVI: With restrictions on movement lifted, people are flocking to tourist destinations in the state like never before, and the casualty has been Covid-appropriate behaviour. Many in the tourism sector fear this could trigger a third wave of infections and another round of restrictions.
An official in Shivamogga said the footfall at Jog Falls over the past 19 days is estimated to be over 62,000, and social distancing norms have been impossible to maintain. Data available with the district administration shows that on Sunday alone, 14,444 people visited the falls.
On weekends, Kodachadri, the peak in the Western Ghats in Shivamogga district, sees an influx of over 2,000 trekkers. Many vehicles carry passengers beyond permitted limits and many tourists don’t bother wearing masks either. In Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts, homestays and resorts are accommodating visitors beyond permitted capacity.
Travel operators are calling it “revenge tourism”. They say because people were forced to stay indoors during the lockdown, fatigue has set in and many want a change. People are now trying to visit every possible place before another possible lockdown. However, in the rush, many forget that their actions could trigger the third wave.
Dev Balaji, a tour operator based in Bengaluru, said homestays are welcoming just about everyone who turns up, ignoring the rules. “Unless the state government mandates negative certificates for those visiting tourist destinations, this behaviour will continue unabated,” he said. “Enquiries have doubled and on weekends, most homestays in the state are full. Most tourists are not following Covid-19 protocols and homestay owners conveniently neglect to alert guests.”
Rahul Bavaji, a homestay owner in Dandeli, admitted the government may order closure of the tourism sector yet again if cases surge. To prevent the government from taking drastic measures, homestay and resort owners must exercise caution, he said.
“I regularly update details of visitors to my homestay with the district administration. No tourists from Kerala and Maharashtra who do not possess negative certificates are entertained,” he said. He added that owners and tourist operators should ensure guests adhere to Covid-19 safety protocol.
