Mumbai/New Delhi: Shocked by the terror attacks, luxury hotels across India have turned virtually into fortresses. They have imposed unprecedented limits on entry and movement of people on their premises, following the siege at Mumbai's Taj Mahal Hotel and Oberoi Trident, hoteliers said.
Multiple entry points have been closed, vehicles stopped and frisking intensified in most of the five-star hotels not only in Mumbai, but across cities. Hotel managers believe these measures would ensure safety of guests, but may also end up as a dampener to travellers who have become nervous and wary.
While Indian Hotels, the owner of Taj Hotel properties, has heightened security measures at its other properties, its industry peers ITC-Welcome Group, Global Hyatt Corporation and The Leela, are also not taking any chances. On Thursday, a day after the first attack, the three hospitality companies have either sent letters to their guests or have taken a roll call of the occupants to ensure that none is missing.
ITC, for instance, has written to each of its guest, describing the security measures that they have taken. Faced by scores of cancellations on Thursday, the hotel chain called up each of its prospective guests to explain the emerging scenario. Though hotel officials were reluctant to spell out the specifics on security measures, each of their hotel properties in Mumbai and in other parts of the country, have been cordoned off and "movement is being monitored," said a company spokesperson.
At Leela's properties, all gates but one have been closed. Visitors to the hotels have been asked to park their vehicles outside the premises, from where Leela-owned cars ferry them to the hotel. "Each guest is being frisked and even our cars are screened each time they enter the property. Cabs and auto rickshaws have been completely barred from entering," said a company official."
Security personnel have been stationed at every gate at Hyatt properties. "Personnel have been stationed even at points that are accessed only by employees and servicemen," an official from the hotel chain said. At Taj Krishna and Taj Residency – the two properties owned by Indian Hotel in Bangalore – security gunmen have set up a base and visitors are being allowed only up to 15 seconds to alight from their vehicles at the hotel entrance.
Hotel officials agree that though these measures might ensure safety, While none of the hotel chains was ready to give information on the extent of booking cancellation, of both individuals and corporate, they agreed that "phones have been ringing." An education fair planned by UK-based QS Network and slated to be held this month at Taj Mumbai has been postponed to January.
"As an immediate impact, we expect to see a drop in bookings due to cancellations by visitors for conferences and exhibitions. However, hotels in North Mumbai are likely to experience quicker stabilisation of occupancies as there will be an overall lesser room inventory in (South) Mumbai," said Onno Poortier, president of Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, in a press statement.
Consulates were busy advising their citizens on the Mumbai situation. The US, UK and Australia have already put out a travel alert. The UK has also flown in diplomats from London and New Delhi. "They are providing emotional support and helping people to get to flights as soon as possible," an official said.
The Israeli consulate, whose office is in the Nariman Point - one of the flash points of the terror attack ¬- has been forced to close. An Israeli national told Network18 that she is yet to receive any communication from the consulate.
Reporting by special correspondents Prince Mathews Thomas and Neelima Mahajan-Bansal and reporter Elizabeth Flock for the new business magazine to be launched by Network18 in alliance with Forbes, USA
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