Thane takes the fizz out of Pondy hotel business

PUDUCHERRY: The hospitality business here took a financial hit following the devastation by Cyclone Thane, which left a trail of destruction in the region. The hotels, completely booked well in advance, had to restrict their celebrations on Saturday night to welcome the new year. Some of the prominent hotels situated on the beach front, did not hold any event as the infrastructure was badly hit.According to Chambre De Commerce (CDC) president, Sembagarajan, barring a few hotels, no special programmes were held for the new year and as a result the hotels suffered financially.According to him, big hotels suffered business loss to the tune of `6 to 7 lakh while smaller ones lost about `1 to two lakh. According to hotel managers, guests landed as per the bookings, but they chose to celebrate the new year in a low key manner.In Pondicherry Ashok and Promenade celebrations were muted as these establishments had suffered damage as a result of the cyclone. Adding to the woes, electricity supply was not restored following the snapping of transmission lines during the cyclone.However, a manager of Atithi hotel said the hotel had held the celebrations without any hassles and guests enjoyed it.