In order to discuss about the adverse effects of Covid-19 on the tourism industry in the state and its related problems, Dilip Jawalkar, Secretary (Tourism), Govt of Uttarakhand recently held an online meeting where 20 representatives from hotels, rafting and aerosports business, CII and FICCI. Stakeholders suggested opening up of adventure tourism activities. Jawalkar explained about the help being provided by the government to the industry personnel and expected the industry to cooperate with the government.
During the meeting, the hotel industry representatives informed and discussed about the situation of confusion regarding the Covid test. Along with this, it was suggested to reduce the quarantine period to 7 days for tourists. Suggestions were also made to establish tourist aid centers on the state border. It has also been suggested to determine the number of guests on a per square meter basis instead of a maximum of 50 guests for wedding ceremonies and other events.
Representatives of rafting and adventure tourism have requested to open the activities of adventure tourism in the state. Besides this, it was also suggested to issue guidelines to the Forest Department to open the tracking activities. It was also suggested to use the guidelines prepared by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India for conducting adventure tourism activities.
The CII representative suggested to set up a call center to solve problems related to tourists and their solutions. FICCI’s representative suggested to give incentive/discounts to tourists with the aim of increasing tourism in the state. They also suggested to run a positive publicity campaign. It was suggested to issue clear guidelines related to Covid, so that there is no confusion.
Jawalkar also informed all the delegates that funds have been made available by the State Government to the District Magistrates for providing Rs 1000 / – per personnel as immediate assistance to the personnel of the tourism industry. Rs. 2.50 crore has already been disbursed for this purpose. Cooperation was sought from the tourism industry to implement the positive initiatives taken by the state government.
