Himachal hoteliers urge government to relax stringent measures

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

The hotel industry in Himachal Pradesh has urged the government to relax strict conditions imposed in the midst of the pandemic. Hoteliers, whose units are closed since March 20, are finding it difficult to carry on.

The Tourism Industry Stakeholders’ Association said that tourists were facing problems due to lack of transparency from the implementing authorities. The hoteliers also met with Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj and the Chief Secretary recently, talking about the issues faced by them.

The hoteliers said that the requirement for a mandatory COVID-negative test report must be stopped. “After Unlock-3, some hoteliers opened their units with the hope to get some business. But due to stringent rules, tourists are hesitating and not visiting the hill state,” said Mohinder Seth, the general secretary of the association.

He cited that other tourist-rich states like Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa have no entry restrictions. Checking should be done only while entering the state and COVID test should not be mandatory for those coming for 72 hours. The e-registration system should also be eased and the time for hotels till 8 pm should be extended further.

« Back to Page

• Talks with Kanchan Bedi, Assistant Tourism Development Officer, Himachal Tourism at SATTE 2024

• Himachal paralyzed: Snowstorm seals 504 roads, travel disrupted

• Snow and rain chaos in Himachal & J&K, wet February ahead as per IMD

• Sinthan Top shines as Kashmir’s exclusive winter wonderland

• Leisure Hotels Group expands to Kasauli with Baikunth Resort deal