Rahul Gandhi's visit sets hotel's cash register ringing

HUBLI: A flying visit of Congress leader and AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi to a small tea shop has changed the fortunes of its owner for the better.
In August 2010, Rahul was on his way to airport after interacting with students at SDM College. To refresh himself, the young leader headed straight to Hotel Hubli near APMC, much to the surprise of his convoy and the hotel staff.During his 30-minute stay there, Rahul munched on some snacks and sipped tea.
Rahul's visit to the hotel has now changed the fortune of hotel owner Riyaz Ahamed Navalur hotelier, thanks to media which lapped up the news of a high-profile guest keeping a low profile.
Ever since, curious people keep visiting the hotel, more to check the place where the young leader visited, than to have tea. The rise in the number of such footfalls has set the cash register ringing, and the owner smiling.
"Only a few customers used to come for breakfast and tea when I started this hotel a year ago. I was earning just Rs 1,000-1,500 daily. The recurring loss had once made to think of closing the shop," Riyaz told `The Times of India'.
But the "surprise visit" of Rahul change the course of the hotel. "He left us by shaking our hands, but his brief stay changed my fortune. Those traveling between Hubli and Dharwad visit here daily," he added, narrating how he rejoices about Rahul's visit with the customers.
"Now, I do a business of around Rs 6,000-6,500 a day, all thanks to Rahul," Riyaz said, adding that he is looking forward to adorn the walls of the hotel with a big photo of the young leader. What's more, Riyaz has become a fan of sorts. "I will read more about Rahul so I can give correct information about his lifestyle to my customers," he signs off.