SpiceJet currently operates flights between Delhi, Jaisalmer and Ahmedabad. The decision the company has created panic among the hoteliers who have been trying to resurrect t businesses after the losses they suffered due to the pandemic. Expecting a severe blow to the tourism business after SpiceJet announced discontinuation of its services to Jaisalmer from Thursday, hoteliers and members of industry have offered the carrier to bear its losses for continuance of flights. SpiceJet currently operates flights between Delhi, Jaisalmer and Ahmedabad. The decision of the company has created panic among the hoteliers who have been trying to resurrect their businesses after the losses they suffered due to the pandemic. On Wednesday, representatives of the industry, including Jaisalmer royal Chaitanya Raj Singh, met district collector Ashish Modi and said that they were ready to compensate for the losses of SpiceJet if it continues to operate. SpiceJet’s representatives also took part in the meeting through a video call. The businessmen have decided to give an offer to the SpiceJet in this regard. SpiceJet revealed that it incurs an expense of Rs 6 lakh from Delhi to Jaisalmer and Rs 1 lakh to Ahmedabad per day. The company is suffering losses due to low passenger load. The businessmen have decided to pay the fare for the vacant seats and has offered bank guarantee to the company. The plan will be experimented in February and March. Hoteliers have decided to share the compensation based on the size of the hotel. The fraternity will also set up various mechanisms and platforms to boost airline ticket sales. In Jaipur, members of Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO) and Hotels & Restaurants Association of Rajasthan submitted a memorandum to tourism dirrector Nishant Jain requesting intervention of the government for continuance of SpiceJet’s services to the city. A leading hotelier in Jaisalmer Manvendra Singh Shekhawat said, “The tourism fraternity of Jaisalmer is trying to find a way out collectively by talking to the airline as well as the government. We have assured the airline about minimum seat guarantee. The tourism industry is expecting a good season in the coming months as most of the hotels and resorts are booked for the next month.”
