Various hotel and dining establishments nationwide are considering offering discounts on reservations and meals to invigorate voter turnout and motivate citizens to partake in the Lok Sabha election 2024. Additionally, several independent tour operators are embracing this initiative to bolster voter participation rates.
Discussing the notion of providing reduced rates on food expenses to voters, Rakesh Roy, an affiliate of the Prayagraj Hotels and Restaurants Owners Association, stated, “We have deliberated on potential discounts for voters. Our members are endeavoring to formulate a comprehensive plan on this matter. All aspects must be considered prior to unveiling the scheme.”
Numerous local eateries are evaluating strategies to establish a designated timeframe for offering meal discounts to voters, either on the election day itself or extending over one or two subsequent days.
Reflecting on plans to extend discounts during the polling day, Garish Oberoi, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India, mentioned that many hotel and restaurant proprietors are keen to augment voter participation within their locales.
“We are working on devising a scheme and determining the appropriate duration for voters to avail themselves of these discounts. Once a detailed plan is in place, we will proceed with its implementation,” Oberoi noted.
Resonating with these sentiments, Deepak Choudhary, a tour operator, revealed that approximately five operators have already declared that voters will benefit from reduced rates following their participation in the Lok Sabha election. “Individuals who cast their ballots will receive a discount on travel packages. Those seeking a discount on bookings must present a selfie with an inked finger as evidence of voting,” Choudhary explained.
Furthermore, various organizations in Uttarakhand have proclaimed special deals of a 20 percent discount on food bills at hotels and eateries for those who fulfill their civic duty.
In a move to stimulate voter engagement in the Lok Sabha elections slated for May 25 in Delhi, several hotel proprietors in the Karol Bagh and Najafgarh districts of Delhi will offer a 20 percent discount to voters who cast their ballots, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi reported.
This initiative strives to motivate voters to actively engage in the democratic process and discharge their civic responsibilities. Consequently, the public health department of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is reaching out to merchants, urging them to propose compelling offers, according to the MCD.