Madurai hoteliers to allow only 10 per cent dine-in customers

According to KL Kumar, president, Madurai District Hotels Association, the prevailing pandemic scenario has curtailed the movement of people, with the operation of state-run buses coming to a grinding halt and travel e-pass restrictions coming into play, due to which only 10 per cent of the 300 odd hotels in the city have reopened so far.

Madurai, which’s popularly known as ‘Thoonga Nagaram’ – or the city that never sleeps – is known for restaurants and eateries that cater to late night customers for several years.

Normally, eateries here get most of the buzz in late evening hours. But, due to the restrictions, they have to close by 7 pm. This has affected hotel industry that has its timings fixed by breakfast, lunch and dinner timings.

The sector can return to full-fledged operations only when buses, trains and taxis are back in full operation, Kumar told DT Next.

Another crippling issue that the hotels are facing was managing the shortage of manpower, including cooks and suppliers in their facilities.

When the government lifted the restrictions on inter-district travel, many workers left for their native places.

Now, after the situation is gradually returning to normalcy, there is a huge demand for workers. But, they are unable to return as the government has imposed tough restrictions on travel and lack of public transport, he added.