Lok Sabha Question No. 1208 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-09-19
Subject: Comparison of Major Tourism Sectors
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: T.N. Prathapan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1208 ANSWERED ON 19.09.2020

## COMPARISON OF MAJOR TOURISM SECTORS

## 1208. SHRI T.N. PRATHAPAN:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  compared  the  various  major tourism sectors all over the world during COVID-19 pandemic and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has any idea that how the informal sector  of  employment  and  income  sources  related  to  the Tourism sector faced the impact of pandemic in our country and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  schemes  and  projects  that  the  Government  proposes  to bring to boost the tourism sector along with its details?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

- (a) and (b): No, Sir.  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  not  instituted  any formal  study  for  comparing  the  various  major  tourism  sectors  all over  the  world  during  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  However,  several rounds  of  discussions  and  brainstorming  sessions  with  industry stakeholders indicate massive loss of revenue and jobs.
- (c): In order to boost tourism, the Ministry of Tourism  has undertaken the following strategies / initiatives:
- i. Regular consultations with industry stakeholders   on issues  related  to  post  COVID  revival  of  the  Tourism sector.
- ii. Issued operational recommendations for different segments of   the travel and hospitality industries for safe resumption of business.
- iii. Taken  various steps like constant dialogue with the Ministry of Home Affairs, State Governments/ Union Territory  (UT)  Administrations  to  ensure  the  safety  and security of tourists, including foreign tourists. The Ministry of  Tourism  has  set  up  a  24x7  Multi-Lingual  Tourist  InfoHelpline in 12 Languages for domestic and foreign tourists to provide support service in terms of information relating to  Travel  in  India  and  to  offer  appropriate  guidance  to tourists in distress while travelling in India.
- iv. Launched the Dekho Apna Desh (DAD) initiative in January 2020 with the objective of creating awareness among the citizens about the rich heritage and culture of the country, encouraging  citizens  to  travel  widely  within  the  country and enhancing tourist footfalls   leading to development of local economy and creation of jobs at the local level. The main focus of this campaign is to rebuild the trust of the domestic & international travelers in terms of India being a safe  destination  to  travel  in  post  Covid  scenario.  This initiative  is  being  promoted  extensively  on  social  media accounts  and  website  of  the  Ministry  and  by  Domestic India Tourism offices.
- v. Consulted  the industry representatives on the  Market Development Assistance Scheme.
- vi. The Government has announced Atmanirbhar Bharat package vide which Rs 3 lakh crore collateral free automatic  loan  has  been  made  available  for  MSMEs.  The loan will have  4-year tenure  and  will  have  12-month moratorium. The Government of India has further amended the definition of MSMEs to bring service enterprises at par with manufacturing enterprises. These measures will also benefit tourism service providers.

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