Nearly 70,000 e-passes, as mandated by the Madras High Court, have been issued for vehicles to enter Kodaikanal so far this summer. However, the Kodaikanal Hotel and Resort Owners’ Association says the mandate has led to a decline in the number of tourists visiting the hill station this year.
Association president Abdul Gani Raja contends that the e-pass that all visitors have to obtain to enter the hill station from May 7 to June 30, has led to a decrease in tourist inflows, and has adversely impacted local businesses. “Business is brisk only during the summer vacation period. Many traders borrow money from private lenders and invest in their goods, hoping for a good tourist season. But business has been hit due to the decreased arrival of tourists,” he claimed. Those offering horse rides and bicycle on rents around the Kodaikanal lake also complained of poor business.
While the e-pass is issued to all applicants without any restrictions and the website is user-friendly, Mr. Raja said a section of tourists cancelled their trips due to lack of awareness about the system. “In fact, during the first three days (May 7 to 9), many hotels, resorts and home-stays in the hill station saw cancellations. Only after May 10 has there been some improvement in the tourist flow,” he added.
