Coronavirus hits hotel industry hard in Rajasthan, appeal made to CM to reduce tourism tax

Amid ongoing global outbreak of Coronavirus, tourism business in Rajasthan is witnessing a slowdown. According to Gajendra Luniwal, president of Jaipur Hotel Association,  hotel industry in state is currently incurring losses due to  Coronavirus pandemic and 100 per cent bookings including advance ones have been cancelled.

"100 per cent bookings including advance ones have been cancelled. Domestic tourists are also t visiting w. It has reached zero. hotel industry and allied services are facing losses. We have reached a position where paying salaries to employees will be difficult," Luniwal said while interacting with a news ncy. 

Adding furr, he also spoke about appealing Chief Minister to reduce tourism taxes. "We have requested Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to reduce taxes on tourism," he said.

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Apart from Rajasthan, tourism industry in Kerala is also witnessing a slowdown.   shops, resorts, and boat operators, that are majorly dependant on tourism business are witnessing a heavy slowdown due to low tourist footfalls.

While interacting with a news ncy, Azeez, District President of Kerala Hotel and Restaurants Association (KHRA) said, "t only tourists, but even ordinary people have stopped venturing out. Hotels are facing heavy losses. Earlier, hotels used to be open till 11:30 PM, but w most are empty by 9 PM."

READ | Kerala Tourism sector witnesses slow down amid Coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus in India

According to latest figures available on Sunday,  total number of positive cases of Coronavirus in India has soared up to 108 as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Two deaths have been reported in Kalaburagi and West Delhi respectively. India has suspended all visas, barring for a few categories such as diplomatic and employment apart from keeping in abeyance visa-free travel facility to OCI cardholders till April 15.

Moreover, Centre has “strongly advised” Indians to avoid all n-essential travel abroad. government is also monitoring all suspected cases and has issued preventive advisories. 

Taking into consideration rising number of Coronavirus cases, Central Government on Saturday decided to treat deadly virus as a "tified disaster."

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(With inputs from ANI)