Pronab Sarkar, President Indian Association of Tour Operators, IATO today said that Covid-19 has impacted the travel and tourism sector and is going through very tough time.

 Addressing the webinar on “Impact, Survival and Strategies for Economic Revival of J&K Tourism’, organised by FICCI, Mr Sarkar said, “We are very uncertain how long it will take to recover, therefore survival is the most important part of our existence.”

 He urged that the government should support the industry. “Going ahead, air travel and road transport will play a key role in the overall development of the sector. State government has to play bigger role,” added Mr Sarkar.

P P Khanna, President Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India, ADTOI said that domestic tourism is the lifeline of the state. Out of the total tourist arrivals, J&K receives 90 percent from India. “We are hopeful that the government will support the industry by announcing some relief package,” he said.

 Rakesh Mathur, President Responsible tourism Society of India, said that due to Covid-19 not only the state will loose on tourists but also there will be cancellation of various corporate meetings, seminars etc. “We will have to ensure reskilling of the labours in order to prepare ourselves post Covid-19,” added Mr Mathur.

Manzoor Pakhtoon Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Alliance, JKTA, said that we need to focus on survival and revival of the tourism industry. He said, “We have to look for a longer period of time, going forward if seems this pandemic will be there till 2021, I would request national bodies also to come forward and help us in reviewing the tourism industry in J&K.”

 Vikram Gupta, Gen Secretary Jammu Hotels, Bar Association, said that the tourism industry in J&K is on the verge of collapse and needs urgent support from the government. “We are all dependent on domestic travel now for next 2 years, government of J&K should focus on leisure and mice and corporate,” he added.

 Nasir Shah Chairman, IATO J&K and Ladakh Chapter said that J&K is the only UT in the country which has done a progressive job in controlling Covid -19 spread. “we are hopeful that by June end, red zones will turn into green zone.”

Tapan Dubey Vice President Tourism Federation of Jammu said government needs to help the industry by announcing incentives and relief package. “Traditional ways of doing business is going to fade. This is the time when we have to reassess the capacity of the health patients, waste disposable capacities and infrastructure for tourism industry,” he added.

Peerzada Fayaz Ahmad MD/ CEO Tulip Hospitality said that government authorities should come forward in supporting the industry for their survival.

Awareness among tourism fraternity and host population regarding cleanliness of tourist destinations.Capacity building programmes for tourism stakeholders for sustainable tourism practices

Shamim Shah, Secretary General JKTA said, “We have to be realistic in  approach. Our prime concern should be to fight this crisis and then focus on our businesses.” 

Gaurav Gupta, representative from Chamber of Commerce & Industries Jammu moderated the session.

 Arshad Danish State Coordinator FICCI J&K State Council welcomed the guests and gave vote of thanks.