Karnataka - Mysore   

Tourism sector calls for return to old fees

MYSORE: The Mysore Travel Agents' Association has said the number of tourists visiting destinations run by the Forest Department had declined sharply after the “exorbitant” hike in entry and safari fees.

Speaking to presspersons here on Monday, association president C.A. Jayakumar said the revised entry fees for places such Ranganathittu bird sanctuary, Mysore zoo and Bandipur National Park would turn them into places for the affluent, beyond the reach of the common man.

“The department's decision will be detrimental to the tourism industry. The Government, instead of promoting tourism and supporting the people whose livelihood comes from this industry, has not taken our apprehensions seriously,” he said. The association has threatened to launch a protest if the Government did not withdraw the hike in fees.

Meanwhile, the Mysore Tour Guides' Association has taken strong exception to the drastic increase in parking fees for tourist vehicles at these destinations, as well as the exorbitant fees for boat rides at Ranganathittu sanctuary.

In a letter to Tourism Minister G. Janardhan Reddy, the association urged him to prevail upon the Government to retain the old fees.

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