Odisha hoteliers seek govt help in overcoming crisis due to coronavirus outbreak

Hoteliers in Odisha on Wednesday sought state government's help in overcoming financial crisis faced by m in wake of vel coronavirus outbreak.

Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), a body of private hotels, has sent a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over issue. "We appreciate steps taken by state government to prevent spre of COVID-19. HRAO pledges full support to government.

"But travel, tre and hotel industry of Odisha is going to bear a huge financial burden as many inbound tourists are cancelling ir bookings," HRAO chairman J K Mohanty said.

He said bookings for conferences, banquets and marris have been cancelled in most of hotels. "We have taken loans from banks. In current situation, it seems difficult for us to pay interests and EMIs. state government should vise banks to cooperate with us and defer payment of EMIs and interests till situation rmalises," memorandum said.

HRAO also requested government to waive State GST till rmalcy is restored. " state government should also try and convince Centre for a similar step. re should be complete GST holiday for tourism, travel and hospitality industry for next 12 months," association demanded.

HRAO also sought fee-waivers for upcoming renewal of licenses and permits (such as BMC Holding Tax, Ground Water Fee, Electricity Fee) for hospitality and travel industry till rmalcy is restored. re should be an immediate sanction of funds to reimburse PF, ESIC, professional tax and salaries of employees in industry, HRAO ded.