Manali hoteliers seek fiscal package, roadmap for revival

Tribune News Service

Mandi, June 29

The Hoteliers Association Kullu-Manali has requested the state government for a financial package to bail out the distressed tourism industry.

It has urged the government to prepare a roadmap for the revival of the tourism industry, which has been completely shut since March 23 because of the Covid-19 outbreak. The summer tourist season has been ruined and the industry is on the verge of collapse. The hoteliers are unable to cope with the current situation.

‘Won’t open hotels’

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It is of no use to open hotels during the rainy season when the arrival of tourists reduces drastically. At present, Covid cases are rising in the state, posing a major challenge to the government. The hoteliers’ association is not in favour of opening hotels under the present circumstances. — Anup Thakur, President, Hoteliers Association Kullu-Manali

Anup Thakur, president of the association, said, “There is need for a roadmap for the revival of the tourism industry in the state for the upcoming winter season beginning September. We want healthy and safe tourism in Himachal and the state government should work in this direction. The government should provide a financial package to the hoteliers to cope with the current situation”.

“It is of no use to open hotels in the state during the rainy season when the arrival of tourists reduces drastically. At present, Covid cases are rising in the state, posing a major challenge to the government. The hoteliers’ association is not in favour of opening hotels under the present circumstances,” he said.

“We request the government to first make adequate arrangements to enable the hoteliers to cope with the present crisis and then create conditions for healthy and safe tourism in Himachal. We do not want innocent villagers to suffer because of hoteliers’ anxiety to open hotels in a hurry. Let the situation become conducive for the hotel business,” he added.

“If we open hotels and something goes wrong, our premises will be sealed. Locals are feeling insecure in the present situation when coronavirus cases are rising constantly. We will open hotels when

the government opens the border for tourists and make a foolproof system

so that only healthy tourists enter Himachal Pradesh,” said the association president.