Losses mounting, let us function: Hoteliers

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, May 4

Hoteliers are not happy with the government’s decision to ban dining facilities and allow only home deliveries.

Punjab Hotel Association president Satish Arora said the hotel industry was on the verge of bankruptcy as around one-third hotels in the country had closed and many were on the verge of closure.

“Around 30 per cent of the establishments in the state have closed permanently due to the financial crises. Over 20 per cent have not opened fully after the first lockdown. The remaining 50 per cent have been operating with losses and revenue below 50 per cent of the pre-Covid levels,” said Arora.

He said the norms on gatherings for hotels, banquets, and open venues should be made in commensurate with the size of the venue. He also requested that except in case of a complete lockdown or in containment zones, hospitality establishments should be allowed to function by following SOPs and protocol. Arora said many owners had shut their outlets as sales dwindled, while expenses remained the same.

He said employees associated with the hospitality industry were now looking for jobs in other sectors as they did not see it as a sustainable employment opportunity following the losses in the past one year. Already reeling from the effects of the previous lockdown, the hospitality sector is staring at another crisis due to the second Covid wave.

“Either allow us to operate normally by following the SOPs or shut the industry permanently,” said Arora.