TN authorities constitutes panel for chalking out tourism revival plan

The government of Tamil Nadu has issued a GO that sets up a committee to work out a recovery plan for the tourism sector and propose COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for tourists in the state. The director of tourism will chair the 16-member board.

The director of the museum, Commissioner of the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Foundations, Director of Public Health, Commissioner of Archeology, Regional Director of the Union Ministry of Tourism and former Chennai City Health Commissioner P. Kuganantham are among the members.

Representatives of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Tamil Nadu Travel Mart (TTM), South Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA), Tamil Nadu Tour Travel and Hospitality Association (TTTHA), FICCI , CII and South India MICE Association (SIMA) are also among the members.

The Director of Tourism has been asked to immediately convene a committee meeting in accordance with the applicable COVID-19 protocols to prepare a recovery plan for the tourism sector and also to propose and submit COVID-19 SoPs for tourists in Tamil Nadu to the government.

The government’s decision followed a proposal by the Tourism Commissioner to set up such a body. The Commissioner said in a statement: “Domestic tourists can start arriving as soon as tourist sites are allowed to open. When tourist sites are allowed to open, tourist traffic between and within the districts will resume. This movement will help to resume and maintain tourist activities at tourist destinations. Tourists should only be admitted in strict compliance with the COVID protocol and SoPs. This will instill confidence among tourists planning to travel to Tamil Nadu. “

In another communication, the Tourism Director stated: “Given the current scenario of the COVID-19 crisis, it may take some time for the tourism industry to recover. The relaxation of travel restrictions and the reopening of tourist activities will benefit all sections of the population. ”