The domestic tourism sector, already facing a slowdown due to high airfare, is in for another setback. Floods in Uttarakhand and parts of Himachal Pradesh could bring down the tourism business by an estimated 30 per cent in the segment, while forcing thousands of travellers to defer their visit to the two states.

Hotels' occupancy level, usually 100 per cent in the peak season, is down to 20-30 per cent, as tourists fear they might get stranded. The total room supply in Uttarakhand is estimated at over 10,000. These include the rooms offered by branded hotels like the Ananda Resorts in Mussoorie and Radisson, Country Inn and Sarovar Hotels in Haridwar. Among major brands present in Himachal Pradesh are The Oberoi, Radisson, Holiday Inn, and some heritage hotels run by Welcomgroup. The supply of rooms in the state stands at an estimated 25,000 as per a report in Business Standard.

In 2011, Uttarakhand had received over 26 million and Himachal Pradesh over 15 million domestic tourists.

With rescue mission in full swing, even the state tourism authorities are advising against travel for a month. "Tourism is the main business of the state and this is the peak season for char-dham yatra. All routes have been closed and all businesses have been hit because of the natural calamity," said A K Singh, joint director, Uttarakhand Tourism. The yatra, which begins in May and goes on till November, attracts the highest number of tourists in May and June.

Travel companies, seeing massive cancellations, are now advising tourists to visit these destinations in August.

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