Lok Sabha Question No. 2115 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-03-08
Subject: New Protocols for Hotel Infrastructure
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shashi Tharoor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2115 ANSWERED ON 08.03.2021

## NEW PROTOCOLS FOR HOTEL INFRASTRUCTURE

## 2115. DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Ministry  is  organizing  a  series  of  Webinars  on domestic destinations with key nuggets and information under the over- all theme of Dekho Apna Desh (See Your Country) in the light of a long-term lull in overseas travel owing to spread of the pandemic and if so, the action plan and funds allocated in this regard;
- (b) whether  the  Ministry  plans  to  promote  more  secluded  micro destinations into its fold across the country including Kerala;
- (c)
- if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the  details  of  new  protocols  for  the  hotel  infrastructure  and other tourist facilities to be aligned with the needs of a postcorona world?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): The Ministry of Tourism has been organising a series of Webinars  since  14 th   April  2020  under  the  overall  theme  of  'Dekho Apna Desh' with the objective of promoting various tourism destinations including the lesser known  destinations of India including  Kerala.  The  Webinars  include  glimpses  of  the  culture, heritage, handicrafts and cuisine of the destinations, in addition to the  tourist  spots.  Concepts  of  Responsible  Tourism,  Accessible Tourism,  Wildlife,  Trekking,  Bicycling  and  Motor  Cycle  Tours,  etc. are  also  been  promoted  through  the  Webinars.  A  total  of  79 Webinars  have  been  organised  till  date.  A  repository  of  all  the

Webinars is being maintained by the Ministry and YouTube links to the  Webinars  are  made  available  on  the  website  of  Ministry  of Tourism.  The  webinars  are  organised  through  the  platform  of the National  e-Governance  Division  of  Ministry  of  Electronics  & Information Technology and are on no cost basis.

(d)  The  Ministry  has  taken  following  steps  for  alignment  of  hotel infrastructure and other tourist facilities with the needs of a postcorona world:

-  Detailed operational guidelines for COVID  safety and hygiene  for  hotels,  restaurants,  B&Bs/  Home  stays  and Tourism Service Providers have been formulated and issued  on  08.06.2020  to  facilitate  smooth  resumption  of business.
-  Validity of approval or certifications of hotels and other accommodation units whose project approval/reapproval  and  classification/re-classification  have  expired/ were  likely  to  expire,  has  been  extended  upto  30 th   April, 2021.
-  The  Ministry  has  developed  an  initiative  called SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness &Training for Hospitality Industry), for effective implementation of Guidelines/SOPs  issued  with  reference  to  COVID  19  and beyond  for  safe  operations  of  Hotels,  Restaurants,  B&Bs and other units.
-  Operational Recommendations for safe resumption of business with easing of lockdown restrictions have been issued  for  various  segments  of  the  travel  and  hospitality industry and circulated amongst all stakeholders.

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