Inspite of stunning facelifts and attractive discounts, cafes and markets in the city are counting their losses due to a no-show by foreign tourists. Many pub and café owners complain that there has infact been a downfall in business during these days as regular pub hoppers prefer to stay indoors due to traffic hassles and security reason.
“We were expecting a lot of foreign crowd, but are really disappointed,” says Kashif Farooq of Urban Pind. “We had got our name registered in the Commonwealth manual and guide, but got to know that sportspersons aren't allowed to move out during late hours.”
“Due to frequent traffic jams many people prefer to stay home,” says DJ Siddarth Talwar of Café Morrison. “We have infact recorded a 15 per cent fall in our business,” he says.
They have the best lounging facilities at the Games Village, including performances by premier bands, which could be one of the reason why they don’t frequent city pubs, speculates Siddarth.
Even major markets like Pahargunj and Khan Market, which are otherwise hot spots of foreigners, aren’t buzzing with activity these days. “Since schools and colleges are closed for two weeks, even our regular customers have gone on vacations. That’s the main reason for the fall in business at our Khan Market outlet,” adds Kashif.
“It has had a negative rather than a positive impact on our business. We have lost out even on our regular clients, who have gone on vacations,” adds Raminder Malhotra of Mint Leaf.