Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Association president C. Narayanagowda sought that the duration of the Food Mela be reduced to nine days from the proposed 15 days.
He said a shorter mela would enable visitors to enjoy the event while reducing its impact on the regular business of hotels and restaurants, many of which depend on the Dasara season for increased business.
Mr. Narayanagowda also suggested that the mela be held at a suitable location on the outskirts of the city, where adequate space could be provided for food stalls, parking, sanitation and other facilities.
The association said holding the mela in the city during Dasara would further add to traffic congestion and parking problems. Mysuru already comes under considerable pressure from the influx of tourists from across the State, other States and abroad during the festival.
The association expressed concern that a large number of temporary food stalls operating for an extended period in the heart of the city could divert business from hotels and restaurants that operate with valid licences and pay taxes and other statutory charges.
The hotel owners have also sought permission to keep hotels and restaurants open until midnight throughout the Dasara period.
“Tourists visiting Mysuru during Dasara often arrive late in the evening and require food and other hospitality services. Extending the operating hours will help us meet the increased demand and benefit tourists,” Mr. Narayanagowda said.
The association has sought special permission from the authorities for the extended working hours and appealed to the government and district administration to consider the concerns of the hospitality sector while finalising the Dasara arrangements.
Office bearers of the Hotel Owners Association - Anil Kumar, Arun K.S., Ravi Shastri, Ravindra Bhat and others were present.
