Under the direction of Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaaz a virtual interaction session on ‘Tourism In Uttarakhand, Challenges and the Way Forward’, with hotel association members, travel tour operators representing various districts was organized on 27th April, 2021 at Uttarakhand Tourism Development Office Dehradun.
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board today organized an interactive session with key representatives of Tourism sector of Uttarakhand. The discussion was based on the challenges faced by the industry due to Covid-19 pandemic. Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Satpal Maharaj pic.twitter.com/I6nj5wEJLq
— Uttarakhand Tourism (@UTDBofficial) April 27, 2021
During the meeting, Tourism Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj assured that necessary efforts are being taken by the government to overcome this unfortunate time of the pandemic. Addressing the attendees, Satpal Maharaj said, “Under the leadership of Honorable Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, We are dedicatedly working to improve the tourism industry. I believe our efforts and hard work will bring victory and positive results soon. We have received your suggestions for a steady recovery in the Post-Covid times. It will be taken as our utmost priority regarding necessary action will be taken for a fast recovery.”
Members associated with the tourism industry who were also present during the virtual meeting said that the tourism industry has suffered a big loss due to a sudden lockdown. In this time of difficulty, financial help should be provided by the government. On which Tourism Minister Maharaj responded that government is also concern regarding the grim situation and positive decisions will be taken by our government regarding the losses.
Adding more to this, Tourism Secretary Dilip Jawalkar said, “I request all the tour travellers and hoteliers to prepare themselves as per the present time. It is also important that we and all the people related to hotel and tour travel industry work together to improve the present condition.”
The meeting was attended by Tourism Additional Chief Executive Officer Yugal Kishore Pant, Additional Director Vivek Chauhan, and virtually by Aditional Chief Executive Officer Col. Ashwin Pundir, Deputy Director Yogendra Kumar Gangwar and District Tourism Development Officers including representatives of Hotel Association, Tour Operators Association.
RT- PCR report mandatory for Chardham pilgrims
The Chardham Yatra will commence in Uttarakhand from May onwards. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said that the RTPR report will be mandatory for pilgrims coming for Chardham Yatra. While thermal screening will be arranged for local pilgrims. All the requirement to maintain physical distance and sanitization will also be arranged by the government.
He also ensured that the suggestion of traders associated with Chardham Yatra will be conveyed to the government. However, Yatra will be organized under strict Corona Guidelines from the government and the administration will be advised to make it strictly follow.
Frontier area communication system will be strengthened with satellite phones
Satellite phones will work to strengthen communication facilities in the remote areas of the state. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said that all possible works will be done by talking to the Ministry of Home Affairs to make satellite phones available to the responsible person tracking in the border area. Along with this, a letter will be written to the Chief Minister Shri Tirath Singh Rawat to strengthen the communication system in every corner of the state.
Government should provide financial help to tourism traders
In the virtual meeting, people related to the tourism industry asked for some relief in this time of crisis. President of Mussorie Dehradun Hotel Association, Sandeep Sani said that the hotel industry has given employment to lakhs of people across the state and all have suffered heavy economic losses due to the Corona pandemic. He suggested that in this time of crisis government should reduce power prices of electricity for benefitting people engaged in the sector.
Sudhir Pant representing same sector said that people associated with a homestay in rural areas are facing problem in taking NOC from Pollution Control Board. This process along with renewal of certificates should be simplified as people are not very much familiar with the required paperwork to get the approvals. Representing the interests of paragliders and boat drivers, Abhishek Ahluwalia said that the goverment should help and remove permit fees of boatman in Bhimtal, Nainital amid these unfortunate time.
