Urgent steps by the govt needed to revive tourism sector, says industry

A delegation of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) and its member associations have proposed multi-step strategies for revival of tourism in a meeting with the Ministry of Tourism, FAITH said in a statement.

New Delhi: Tourism and hospitality players on Wednesday urged the government to take steps for the revival of the sector hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

A delegation of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) and its member associations have proposed multi-step strategies for revival of tourism in a meeting with the Ministry of Tourism, FAITH said in a statement.

"FAITH is hopeful that the demand generation measures and supply protection measures for tourism will be implemented quickly to kick start Indian tourism...," FAITH Consulting CEO Aashish Gupta said.

The industry body also proposed a dual task force strategy, comprising an inter- ministerial task force at the central government level and an inter-state task force for the revival of the sector, the statement said.

FAITH has also proposed holding the 'Indian Tourism Mart' for international tour operators to establish confidence and showcase the incredible Indian tourism products in the first or the fourth week of November, in the meeting, it added.

It has also asked for multi year e-visa holiday for all visa categories till inbound demand stabilises, the statement said.

"To financially protect the tourism companies, till the resolution plan is set in motion by the RBI, FAITH proposed extension of the moratorium of tourism and hospitality companies. They have also requested for automatic extension of all tourist transport and tour operators permits, liquor licences and other extension," it added.

Unlocking of hotels in Delhi was also requested among other things, the statement said.

The Federation is hopeful that the demand generation measures and supply protection measures for tourism will be implemented quickly to kick start Indian tourism, it added.

FAITH is the national federation of 10 tourism, travel and hospitality organisations.

(PTI Report)