As India has already entered into the ‘Unlock 3.0’ after two months of complete ‘Lockdown’ – imposed due to the spread out COVID-19 pandemic, the Tourism Minister of Gujarat Jawaharbhai Pethaljibhai Chavda has suggested reducing travel restrictions to expedite the growth of tourism and hospitality sector.
Considering the unprecedented difficult situation for tourism and hospitality sector –the foremost affected due to the spread out of COVID-19, Chavda, feels that this pandemic is the biggest challenge that the global tourism sector has faced till the date. The minister has extended all the necessary support to revive the industry.
As per the instructions by Ministry of Home Affairs, most of the states are opening their destinations in phased manner by strictly following the post COVID-19 restrictions. According to him, “The challenges for the tourism industry are not over yet. Although, with the opening of the reservations for flights, trains, and buses, traveling has become possible again, the tourists are still apprehensive about their safety and are avoiding travel as far as possible.”
While elaborating on the improvement of touristic activities across the state, Chavda emphasised: “We need to gradually reduce travel restrictions. The Central and the State Governments along with the industry associations have issued various guidelines and we need to ensure that all norms are followed.”
Latest data as on 18th August 2020 reveals that a total 80, 942 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Gujarat. However, 63, 810 have recovered and only 14, 312 patients are still in hospital and recovering. Once growing at more than 20 per cent, around the middle of April, Gujarat has seen a continuous decline in daily growth rate after that and is currently one of the slowest growing states in the country.
“The economic revival measures announced by the Prime Minister and the Finance Ministry have bought activities back to normal in a phased manner, and we expect total normalcy in (Gujarat) the next few months,” he added.
Speaking on the economic packages for the Gujarat’s tourism industry the minister said that the government of Gujarat has announced a special relief package to boost the state’s economy which will have a direct or indirect impact on the tourism industry. He emphasised on creating more employment opportunities in the state.
The role of tourism in the Indian economy and the far-reaching effects of the epidemic has been felt on the economy. “I am confident that with the participation of all stakeholders, including companies and agencies of the tourism industry, we will be able to revitalise the sector and move towards the new normalcy,” concludes Chavda.
