Hospitality & travel sector appeals for promotion of local tourism

In an attempt to revive the tourism and hospitality sector, stakeholders in the industry have appealed to the central government to encourage local tourism under the union ministry's Dekho Apna Desh. The tourism industry has been amongst the worst hit amidst the pandemic. The country has begun unlocking, but it continues to remain closed for international tourists. The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) the apex hospitality association of India said nearly 2.6 crore Indians have travelled abroad for their holidays in 2019. The association stated that if half of these Indians now choose to explore India, this would help revive the sector. "India has some of the best coastlines and beaches in the world. The government just needs to induce domestic travels like one of its policies,” said Pradeep Shetty, joint secretary FHRAI.