In an attempt to face the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic which has drastically hit the tourism and hospitality industry, the Association of Adventure Tour Operators of India has written a letter to the Ministry of Tourism for financial support to the adventure tourism industry for its survival.
The letter which is addressed to Ms Meenakshi Sharma, Director General, Ministry of Tourism says that the tourism fraternity, especially the adventure tourism segment, has been anxiously waiting for some financial benefits and relief measures to save the industry in the current situation from the Hon’ble Finance Minister, but to the total dismay, no such announcements came to support the sector.
“I must mention here that today that the tourism industry is numb and we do not know which direction we should move and what is the next,” says Capt. Swadesh Kumar,
President, ATOAI in the letter.
“With all my humility, on my personal behalf, and on behalf of the entire adventure tourism industry, which consists of over 15000 operators across the country, we request you, Madam, to intervene and insist that we must be given financial support at this time of crisis to ensure that we all could come back with more strength to revive our industry, for the benefit of not only the industry but also of the country in large,” says Kumar
in the letter.
The ATOAI Presidents explains that this industry is scattered across the country, even in small towns, where people are completely depended on the adventure tourism activities for their livelihood. For example, in Leh, Ladakh, there are more than 5000 taxis and more than 3000 motorbikes which are presently vacant and waiting for the business to restart.
Similarly, a large number of Home Stays across the country have no business at present and are struggling for their survival. As per the estimate, it will take at least six months of time to restart the operations and they all need support at this crucial period.
“We are committed to grow both in the domestic front as well as in the incoming business in a few months’ time and are very positive that the business will bounce back in full swing once we overcome the setback caused by the current crisis. For this, we need the support and assistance from the Government of India,” concludes Kumar.
