Nearby getaways look at biz boost with 2 long weekends
Times of India | 12 April 2025
Kolkata: Two consecutive long weekends — Ambedkar Jayanti on Monday and Poila Baisakh on Tuesday, followed by the Good Friday holiday the following week — have prompted Kolkatans to plan short holidays to nearby getaways, leading to a surge in bookings at hotels, resorts, homestays, and rajbaris.
Hotels, resorts, and homestays in popular destinations, like Mandarmani, Digha, Tajpur, Sankarpur, Santiniketan, Purulia, and Jhargram, reported a substantial rise in bookings, with many establishments nearing full capacity. Details from various hotel associations indicated that most hotels and resorts in the coastal destinations are already booked to approximately 70% of their capacity.
"Two extended weekends boosted business. Several tourists booked their stay much in advance. Almost all the hotels and resorts are expected to be almost full on the two weekends," said Mamrej Ali, president of Mandarmani Hoteliers' Association and owner of Prime Beach Resort.
Resorts and rajbaris on the periphery of Kolkata are also benefiting from the rush of travellers. "Vedic Village Spa Resort is getting a surge in room bookings for the Poila Boishakh weekend, given its popularity as a luxury resort in Kolkata," said Rajib Roy Choudhury, senior general manager of the resort.
At Rajbari Bawali, too, the rooms are filling up fast. "Many people booked rooms much in advance to avoid the last-minute rush," said a representative.
The impact is being felt across segments of the tourism industry. "Two back-to-back extended weekends have come as good news for tourism in Jhargram. There is a surge in bookings. The arrival of so many tourists will also generate livelihood in the area," said Biswajit Jana, manager at Jhargram Palace.
The long weekends may also boost local economies. "Sight-seeing spots and local transport will receive an impetus during this time," said a hotel owner in Santiniketan.
Many tourists are planning to return to Kolkata by Monday evening and celebrate the new year with family and friends. "Many of us are looking forward to a relaxed weekend away but will be back in time for Poila Baisakh at home," said Anindita Sen, a school teacher who is going to Purulia for the weekend.