Kangra hoteliers resume partial operations

Our Correspondent

Palampur, September 20

It has been a week since the state government has opened the borders, and business and other activities are gradually restarting in most of the tourist destinations of the Kangra valley. The state is trying its best to revive the tourism sector, which has been hit hard after the lockdown imposed in the view of Covid-19 crisis.

Most of the hoteliers at Palampur, Bir and Gopalpur are afraid of the virus spread and are uncertain about the footfall of the tourists. A few hoteliers in Kangra valley have resumed limited operations and the tourists have also started arriving in different locations. However, a majority of visitors are not taking risks.

While talking to The Tribune, different stakeholders of the hotel industry said the situation is still volatile, and many tourists are not willing to take the risk of venturing out at a time when Covid-19 cases are rising every day.

“It is not possible to make the hotel fully functional in the absence of tourists, as it will be difficult to meet the establishment expenses and pay salary to the staff. The state government should come to their rescue and waive GST, bank interest, water bills and the minimum electricity charges till March 2021. This is important for revival of the industry,” said Vinay Sharma, a local hotelier, and president, Palampur Hotels Association.

Tourism sector plays a significant role in the economy of the state. It is a major source of employment. It contributes over 7 per cent to the state GDP. The industry has been suffering losses for over five months, and this has hit the economy of the state.