HubbalLi: The election season in North Karnataka has delivered a very much needed income for the surrounding hospitality sector in the region.
With the three main political parties – Congress, BJP and JD (s) – hitting a campaign footprint, the senior leaders and their followers had come down on Sindgi and Hangal to campaigned for their respective candidates, filling rooms at the hotel.
Resources in the hotel industry in Hubballi say that they serve nearly 100 leaders every day, and hope the amount reaches 150 when the campaign reaches its business goals.
Metropolis Hotel Director Ashraf Ali said that the Bypoll campaign has increased occupancy in its 10% establishment.
“After the locking was implemented earlier this year, the average occupancy dropped to 50%, but has increased to 60%,” Ali added CM Siddaramaiiah, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President DK Shivakumar, former Minister of Pehader.
Sources in political parties said that nearly 100 people, including leaders, assistants and followers were placed in various hotels in Hubballi.
They argue that twice as many people tend to stay in hotels as closer voting dates.
Hotelier on Jalan Gokul in Hubballi added that there were around two or three programs marching on his establishment on the way.
“This has pumped oxygen which is very much needed for our business,” he said.
Proprietor from a hotel on the airport street in Hubballi admitted to those places located near the air terminal which registered more business during the election.
“Leaders prefer to live close to the airport to prevent them from being compacted by their followers,” he added.
Sunil Khatwate, who owns a taxi, said that the travel industry also benefited during the poll season.
“Since senior leaders traveling with private vehicles, we don’t get many businesses from them.
However, those who are not very prominent or higher in the rank of using our services,” he said.