West Bengal's tourism stakeholders seek 'same leeway' as malls, restaurants; appeal to Mamata

In the letter, ATSPB President Madan Agarwal said the West Bengal tourism industry found itself with its “back to the wall”.

The association appealed to the state government for the “same leeway” as given to malls, restaurants, salons, and cinemas.

These establishments are currently operating at 50 percent capacity with safety measures.

The letter emphasised that the functioning of sightseeing spots was essential for the travel industry to sustain themselves, their families, and employees.

Unable to meet Mamata Banerjee in person, a 50-person group from ATSPB displayed banners with slogans such as “Save tourism, save lives” and “Save tourism, save Bengal” in front of Victoria Memorial, in central Kolkata, on Tuesday.

Police permission had been granted for only a small group and a demonstration of only a few minutes.

In those few minutes, ATSPB members — ranging from travel agency owners and hoteliers to vehicle rental operators and tour guides —  mentioned the financial hardships faced by the industry players.

ATSPB member Chandan Das said, “Tourism is among the sectors worst hit by the pandemic. There are many people who support several family members through their work in tourism, but now we barely have the money to eat or seek medical treatment."

Most stakeholders in the tourism industry have drained their savings in the past two years, said a protester.

In the present scenario, the West Bengal government has permitted hotels to remain open around the state, but has completely closed all sightseeing spots, causing mass cancellations and immense hardships for the industry.

“If the sightseeing spots are completely closed, what can tourists do after checking into a hotel?” said Sagar Guha, an ATSPB member, at the demonstration.

“We appeal to the CM to allow sightseeing everywhere around the state with 50 percent capacity and complete COVID-19 protocol. That will allow us to at least survive. Unless this 50 percent opening of sightseeing is permitted, small to medium travel operators will be wiped out. It is impossible for them to find any alternative means of income to support their families — they may even be driven to suicide,” he said.

ATSPB President said the association was fully supportive of the state government’s measures to curb the spread of infections, however, he wants the government to consider the tourism industry’s plea “with sympathy” and “provide some relaxation for our sector” to ensure its survival.