The COVID-19 pandemic has badly hit the hospitality and tourism industries. The government puts out a major relief to hotel owners, tour operators, travel agents and tourist transporters. It has announced an extension to the validity period of approvals and classification of hotels and other accommodations units till June 30. The government does this keeping in view that the coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Major Relief For Hospitality Industry
In a statement, the Ministry said: “Considering the current situation when the hospitality industry is going through a very difficult time in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown that has severely impacted the accommodation sector, it has been decided that validity of approval or certifications of hotels and other accommodation units whose project approvals and classification have expired during the period (March 24 to June 26, 2020) are deemed to be extended till June 30.”
This means that the Ministry of Tourism has given an extension to the validity period of approval or classification of hotels and other accommodation units till June 30. The Ministry of Tourism classifies hotels under the star rating system. The government does it to meet the expected standards for different classes of tourists.
Under this system, hotels and accommodations are given various ratings like one to three-star, four and five stars, five star deluxe, homestays, legacy vintage, guest houses among others. This certification or classification has a validity period of five years.
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Major Relief For Tourism Industry
The Tourism Ministry has a scheme to approve travel agents, tour operators, adventure tour operators etc. The government does it to encourage quality, standard and service in these categories. This is a means to promote tourism in India. Similar to the relief provided to the hospitality industry, the government has also announced a major relief for the tourism industry.
The Ministry of Tourism states that because of the postponement of inspection work and application scrutiny during the lockdown period, a six months’ relaxation or extension to all categories of tour operators for their approval will be permitted. The categories include tour operators ( inbound, domestic, adventure), tourist transport operators and travel agents. But these relaxations are subject to certain conditions. Did you know Greece To Open For Tourism From June 15 Onwards?
The extensions are valid for these tour operators if the previous or current approvals expired, or will expire during the period of March 20 till the lockdown continues. It can also be valid if they applied for renewals prior to the expiry of their current and previous approvals. We hope this relief helps the two industries as Tourism & Hospitality Industry Faced Major Loss Amidst Covid-19
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First Published: May 29, 2020 12:43 PM