New Delhi, Oct 15 (UNI) Expressing hope that tourism sector in the country, worst hit sectors during COVID-19 pandemic, will pick up pace again soon, Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel on Thursday stressed on the need to promote domestic tourism through 'Dekho Apna Desh' initiative to revive the sector in our country.



Addressing a virtual meeting with 15 State Tourism Ministers and Officials, the Tourism Minister said, 'the tourism sector is amongst the worst hit sectors during COVID-19 pandemic but with mutual support we are continuously talking to its stakeholders and have taken some initiatives for revival of the tourism sector and hoped that tourism sector will pick up pace again soon.'



Addressing the meeting, attended by Tourism Minister of Rajasthan Govind Singh Dotasara, Tourism Minister of Uttar Pradesh Dr Neelkanth Tiwari, Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand Satpal Maharaj, Tourism Minister of Goa Manohar Ajgaonkar, Tourism Minister of Maharashtra Aaditya Thackeray, Tourism Minister of Madhya Pradesh Usha Thakur and Tourism Minister of Gujarat Jawahar Chavda, Mr Patel said that even before the pandemic the Prime Minister already initiated 'DekhoApnaDesh' campaign.



'In the current situation, we should focus on domestic tourism under this campaign. It will help to revive the tourism sector of our country,' the Minister said.



He urged all the Ministers to identify new places of tourism which can attract domestic tourists. He also urged that in order to promote tourism during these times all states should come up with a uniform protocol for interstate movement of tourists so that tourists can travel hassle free.



Mr Patel stressed on the use of SAATHI and NIDHI initiatives of the Tourism Ministry which are becoming very crucial during current situation.



'Earlier, we only had 1400 registrations of hotels with us but because of NIDHI initiative now we have 27000 hotels registered with us and the number is growing regularly. It gives us more reliable data of the tourists and hospitality industry,' he said.



He also said that the use of SAATHI initiative will build confidence in tourists as it helps hospitality industry in preparedness to continue operations safely and mitigate risks arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.



The Minister informed that Tourism Ministry is planning to develop a platform which will have all information regarding state roads, hotels and other facilities of all tourist destinations. It will also have updated information regarding weather and other tourism related information, he added. Mr Patel requested all states to provide such information to Tourism Ministry so that the platform can be started soon.



The Union Minister also stressed on the better connectivity of the tourist attractions. He said that better connectivity will increase tourists flow in remote areas also. Mr Patel said that Tourism Ministry has shared draft Tourism policy with states and states should also formulate their policies in the line of Tourism Ministry's policy. He also urged all states to give their valuable suggestions to enrich Tourism policy.

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