Jaipur: Royal Rajasthan experience faces bankruptcy amid coronavirus lockdown

Covid-19 screening in Rajasthan.  |  Photo Credit: PTI

Jaipur: Experience of royal living, exotic food and heritage liquor in Rajasthan has been a major draw for foreign and domestic tourists. But with changed situation, the tourism industry in Rajasthan which made all-out efforts to give you a royal experience is facing bankruptcy. Hoteliers, particularly in heritage segment, are unable to pay the salaries to the staff, let alone servicing their loans on time. With no footfall and bookings for the next few months, the tourism industry in Rajasthan is facing a bleak future.

“These are unprecedented times but we have to fight our way out. Tourism is one sector which needs immediate assistance both, monetary and policy-wise, to get back on its feet. Rajasthan has much to offer in terms of getaway and wedding destinations but we would need assistance from the government in highlighting these destinations.” Arvind Singh Mewar, Head of erstwhile Mewar Royal Family and Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of HRH Group of Hotels said.

“We are called industry but tourism has never been given its dues as an industry. It is the time that tourism unit should not be charged for electricity at commercial rates but at industrial rate; and should be provided relief in fees of various licensees required to operate a hotel. A weekend getaway can start immediately but for which state government should jump in with concerted effort to promote various destinations.” Randhir Vikram Singh, Honorary General Secretary of Indian Heritage Hotels Association said.

In a state like Rajasthan around one crore people, directly and indirectly, benefit from tourism activities and the contribution of tourism in State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP) is immense. “Hundreds of hotels of heritage categories are situated in rural areas. These are also a source of employment for local people and uses services provided by dairy owners, vegetable vendors to washermen and housekeeping staff. State government need to focus to support rural tourism to kick start the local economy,” Prithvi Singh Kanota, a hotel owner said.  

Tourism experts also agree that Rajasthan has the potential to give a much-needed fillip to the rural economy by focusing on rural tourism. “Rajasthan used to get much of the inbound tourist from France, Spain, Germany, Italy, UK and USA but the stream has dried up at least for since season starting from October 2020 to March 2021. Now, we need to tap the domestic tourist who was going to foreign countries. Besides this, given the proximity of Rajasthan to metro cities like Delhi and Gurgaon, we also have the potential to attract weekend destination tourism.” Sanjay Kaushik, a tourism industry expert said.

“Tourism needs to focus on survival first than we can talk of a revival. Salaries of staff need to be supported by the government through direct cash benefits or subsidies. The loan on tourism units needs to be rescheduled so that one can get relief on interest during the pandemic period.” Gaj Singh Alsisar, a hotelier said.

Meanwhile, the tourism department in Rajasthan is also planning to coordinate with other states to increases domestic tourism. “I have done a video conference with the tourism minister of Maharashtra Aditya Thackerey and others to discuss the issue. We are working on a plan to boost domestic tourism,” Vishvendra Singh Bharatpur, Tourism Minister said.