Maha Kumbh likely to generate Rs 12,000 cr revenues

Create 6 lakh job opportunities in sectors such as airlines, airports, hotels, tour operators, medical and eco-tourism

The forthcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is projected to generate about Rs 12,000 crore of revenues and create over 6 lakh job opportunities.

Airlines, hotels and tour operators are likely to witness a boom period in their economic activities due to the Maha Kumbh and contribute Rs 12,000 crore revenues to the state coffers in Uttar Pradesh.

This has been forecast by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) in its report ‘Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 – Possible Revenue Generation Resources for UP’.

The report has projected that new employment opportunities would be created in airlines, airports, hotels, tour operators, flyovers, medical & eco-tourism. The unorganised sectors would also gain.

Tourist arrival to the extent of 250 million, compared to 30 million in 2001, is expected to congregate for the holy dip. Besides, about a million foreign tourists are expected to visit India for site seeing, religious and eco-tourism.

Assocham Secretary General DS Rawat said Australia, the UK, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand, Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka would be the main countries from where tourists are expected to arrive.

The hotel industry is aiming at 100% occupancies, which currently is 70% on an average. The industry will witness growth of 25% during the Maha Kumbh from the current growth rate of 15% including small, budget and luxury hotels.

“Apart from Allahabad, nearby states like Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and other places in UP like Agra and Lucknow will also be the major beneficiaries in revenue generation where large number of foreign tourists are expected to explore tourists destinations,” Rawat said.

UP Tourism, privately owned hospitals, traders, railways and international airports are projected to earn revenues of Rs 1,500 crore through increased inflow of foreign and domestic tourists.