GUWAHATI, May 19 - The State tourism department has assured stakeholders of the tourism industry that it would extend full cooperation for reviving the tourism industry in the State with special focus on domestic tourism.
Amid the uncertainties in the tourism sector triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner-Secretary, Tourism Department Dr M Angamuthu had a meeting with hoteliers and tour operators here today regarding plans to bail out the industry.
The tourism stakeholders, particularly concerned about their exclusion from the stimulus package announced by the government, requested the State government to take measures for revival of the sector which is worst hit due to the pandemic.
Dr Angamuthu informed the stakeholders that the department has already compiled the representation submitted by the stakeholders of the tourism industry and submitted it to the advisory committee set up by the Government of Assam for revival of the State economy.
Meanwhile, Dr Angamuthu suggested that the industry has to forge ahead and make Assam the nucleus for promotion of domestic tourism. He assured the hoteliers and tour operators of full support in their endeavour.
Director Tourism and Managing Director ATDC, Deba Kumar Mishra informed the stakeholders that a strategy is being initiated under the guidance of the Commissioner-Secretary Tourism, for handholding with the stakeholders to initiate tourism activities in the State by promoting �off beat� tourist destinations.
President of Hoteliers Association Anupam Bora requested the government to look into their appeal and come to a solution regarding inflated electricity bills along with an extension of interest-free moratorium on loans for six months and extension on renewal of licence etc., till March 2021 for their survival.
President of Tour Operators Association of Assam Ranjit Das, chapter chairman of IATO Nirmalya Choudhury and chapter chairman of Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) NE Arijit Purkayastha stated that 90 per cent of their employees had to be laid off as they are facing a financial crunch and requested the government to handhold all the stakeholders of the tourism industry with interest-free loans for survival of the industry.
Dr Angamuthu said he would coordinate with the industry department also to facilitate the stimulus package under MSME schemes for service sector if any, so that the stakeholders can avail the package laid down by the Centre.
