Coronavirus: Tourism sector suffers massive setback in Northeast

As a result of Coronavirus outbreak, tourism sector in Norast has gone for a toss. Norast is home to many hill stations and November to April is considered as peak season for tourism industry. In order to assess ground reality, Republic Media Network on Friday went to meet people associated with industry and picture that we got was very disheartening. hotels in city wear a deserted look and most of tourist cabs are also off-ro. 

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Speaking to Republic Media Network, Jayanta Malla Barua, Chairman of Assam Tourism Development Cooperation, said that tourism sector has suffered a massive loss.

"It was peak tourist season in Norast. We were expecting at least sixty thousand foreign tourist footfalls this year. But now we cannot achieve it," Barua said. 

He also ded that region alrey suffered a massive loss in December because of anti-CAA protests in Assam, followed by tensions in Shillong.  State government h alrey asked all foreigners in State to leave. "We requested all foreigners to leave for ir respective places because of Coronavirus outbreak and all of m have alrey left," he ded. 

He furr ded that though one tourist who travelled to Bhutan via Assam and was detected positive on his arrival in neighbouring country, none who came in contact with him during his stay in Assam have been tested positive. 

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Meanwhile, hotels in city also have suffered a huge loss in business. All Assam Hoteliers Association president Anupam Bora has informed that y are maintaining all safeguard measures issued by government, however, with no tourists around, normal business has been hampered. 

"Because of anti-CAA protests, followed by law and order situation in Shillong, we faced huge losses alrey. On or hand, State government has been imposing one after anor tax on us, so it has become difficult for us now," Bora said. 

Tour Operators Association of Assam also reiterated same. Speaking to us, Ranjit Das, president of association said, " situation was slightly improving following anti-CAA protests and law and order situation in Shillong, but with Coronavirus outbreak now we don't have any hope in this season." cab operators and or businesses directly or indirectly associated with tourism sector have also faced huge losses. 

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Meanwhile, States of Mizoram, Sikkim, and Arunachal Presh have restricted entry of foreigners. Mizoram has sealed international border with Banglesh and Myanmar, whereas Manipur has also sealed international border with Myanmar.

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