INTER-STATE TOURISM, The pandemic has affected almost all sectors of the world economy and a number of financial structures have been disturbed globally. However, the area that has faced the maximum issue is that of tourism. Thousands of people involved in the job are out of business and thousands of tourism students face an uncertain future due to restrictions on movements and the disease of COVID-19 spreading like wildfire. With more than 32 lakh cases, India is slowly opening up sector after sector to restore its economy and some of the states are opening up their inter-state tourism and hospitality sectors as well. Here’s a list of the places.
- Delhi- Majority of the cultural places like the Dilli Haat, the Garden of Five Senses etc. and historical monuments like the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort etc. have been opened up for tourists. Proper screening processes are being followed and social distancing is being maintained.
- Himachal Pradesh- Known for its hill stations like Shimla, Dharamshala, etc. Himachal Pradesh had shut all places of interest for tourists since March and opened them up in July with certain restrictions and norms to be followed. The state cabinet recently reduced the strictness of the restrictions. The visitors are still required to obtain an e-pass and the minimum duration of stay has been reduced to 2 days from 5.
- Uttarakhand– The state government has opened up tourism for intra and inter-state tourists as well as international visitors. However, only the devotees from the state are allowed on the Chardham Yatra. The UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is also open to visitors from August 1.
- Goa– Domestic tourists are being allowed in Goa and hotels have been permitted to operate. However, most hotels have postponed reopening to October or November.
- Rajasthan– The state government has opened two tiger reserves at Sariska and Ranthambore along with the parks, museums and monuments of Rajasthan for the tourists.
- Madhya Pradesh– The state government has announced the reopening of tourism activities and resorts and hotels run by the state. The state has also decided to reopen the 11 national parks and 24 wildlife sanctuaries that it homes.
- Karnataka- This state has also opened up for visitors since July with exception to places like Hampi and Coorg. However, tourists can still visit tourism spots like Nagarhole National Park, Mysore Palace, temples etc. The state government has also abolished all travel restrictions like the mandatory requirement of an e-pass and 14-day quarantine for visitors from other states.
- Jammu and Kashmir- The ‘Heaven on Earth’ has been open to tourists since July 14 during the first phase of unlocking India but only for tourists who travelled by air. SOPs are also being issued for the tourists by the government.
Restoration of tourism is essential to restore economy but keeping ourselves safe is of foremost importance. Hence it’s advised that you follow the distancing and COVID-19 prevention norms and research well if you plan to take up inter-state tourism.
