Gadkari wants tourism industry to expand their offers
The Government’s initiatives, such as collateral-free automatic loans for business, including MSMEs as well as the Rs.50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Fund of Funds will benefit companies with higher credit ratings and will generate tremendous business opportunities, MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari has told the Indian industry officials.
“It will turn into a win-win situation for the industry. The domestic tourist destinations, including hills, forests, and religious pilgrimage, will benefit from upcoming projects such as Char Dham Road, New Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, 22 Green Express Highways, and others,” he said.
Gadkari also underlined the huge potential for small hotel partners, agents to tap into this and look at expanding their offerings catering to the needs of tourists.
The Government is committed to create multiple opportunities for MSMEs, boost tourism with the help of upcoming infrastructure projects, he assured.
Addressing the webinar on ‘MSME Travel and Hospitality Industry’, organized by FICCI and supported by OYO Hotels and IATO, Gadkari said, “The infrastructural projects in the pipeline as part of the central Government’s plans have laid the foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat and will also boost domestic tourism in the country.”
“Innovation is key to the revival of the travel and hospitality sector. Industry players such as FICCI, OYO Hotels & Homes and IATO should take advantage of the government schemes to come together and support MSMEs,” he stressed.
“With domestic tourism uptake being affected during the pandemic, we have been continuously supporting the government in its measures to revive the economy,” added Pronab Sarkar, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) & Founder Member, Swagatam Tours Pvt. Ltd said,
“However, with the sector being worst affected, we are still hopeful for some financial support and stimulus package, policy changes so that our tour operators and travel agents can benefit from the required working capital to sustain these challenging times,” said Sarkar, seeking the government support.
Over 200 OYO hotel partners and travel and tour agents participated in the webinar held 1 Mar 2021.
The discussion focused on the future of hospitality and tourism, including strategies and steps taken by the government to support MSME players, boosting the country’s infrastructure and thereby focusing on promoting domestic tourism, which is an integral contributor in building India’s robust revival story. #IATA #tourism #investment #funds #banking #projects #infrastructure /fiinews.com
