The Indian tourism industry has been badly affected and is slowly recovering. International tourism too might take time to revive. The Indian government has advised the states to take initiatives on how to boost tourism in the post-covid era. According to media reports, some states like Himachal Pradesh don't need a covid negative certificate from tourists while other states are not asking for e-pass, etc. But listed below, you will see how state governments are working to make our travel experience much safer and convenient in post-covid era.
Maharashtra:
Now you can plan an adventurous vacation or visit your favourite spots by renting a caravan.
• A mini caravan is perfect for small families. It comes with a rear passenger seat which can convert into a flatbed.
• Another option is to rent a big camper van which comes with a kitchen, a bedroom, a living room, a terrace and a bathroom.
Rajasthan:
• Paragliding activities are being set by the district administration in Udaipur, Kumbalgarh fort and Rajasmand to attract tourists.
• As per five-year policy, 2-3 prominent sites would be developed as “Iconic Monuments” in each division of the state.
• Sambhar, Bikaner, Pushkar, Nagaur are being promoted as new desert destinations. Government has rolled out incentive scheme to attract the filmmakers.
• Addition of light and sound show in Forts, Temples, etc across Rajasthan.
• In heritage zones like Braj and Shekhawati, project for conservation of Havelis will be launched.
Uttarakhand:
• Some hotels/home stays across Uttarakhand are part of an incentive coupons scheme under which tourists will get ₹ 1000 or 25% (whichever is less) off on accommodation charges per day. To avail this, they would have to register on Dehradun Smart city portal.
Madhya Pradesh:
• For Workcation: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is working to develop new offices in the middle of the jungle for digital nomads who are tired of sitting back at home in the lockdown.
• Madhya Pradesh has launched #IntezaarKhatamHua campaign under which short caravan road trips have been planned from Indore and Bhopal. In this travel influencers would visit multiple destinations.
Odisha:
• Odisha tourism department and wildlife wing have joined hands to train managers and committee members across 40 eco-tourism sites. These sites include – hill stations, forests, nature camps and beach resorts.
• The tourism board has planned to float road trip packages, it might start from October. For this they are targeting neighbouring states.
Himachal Pradesh:
• The much awaited “Atal Tunnel” is being inaugurated this month. This tunnel is 8.8 km long which will provide almost all-weather connectivity to Lahaul and Spiti. Currently, Spiti is closed to tourists.
• Tiling village, which is located 2 kms away from this tunnel, is going to be developed as a ski destination. These plans are in the pipeline. For this, they will make 3 lifts (each 550 mtr long) in the village.
• Himachal Pradesh and the World Bank have made an $82million loan deal to develop state roads.
Karnataka:
• Karnataka has approved setting up a Lakundi Development Authority. Lakundi is considered as significant as Hampi. The plan is to develop this town as the sculptures and inscriptions date back to the 11th century.
• Government is giving subsidies to people and companies to develop infrastructure.
• Karnataka state tourism board will construct three-star hotels at Hampi, Belur, Badami and Vijayapura.
• Karnataka Tourism have already come up with Luxe Camper, India’s first fully equipped caravan.
Uttar Pradesh:
• The government is identifying more attractive spots with the concept of “One district, one destination” to promote eco-tourism.
• Eco Tourism: Development of Bhagwati Van, spread across 316 hectares of land, along the river Ganga in Kasganj district.
• Upcoming airport projects in Ayodhya and Chitrakoot will boost tourism.
• Completion of Ayodhya’s Ram ki Paidi by Diwali this year. Number of ghats are going to be increased from 5 to 9.
• Addition of 4 new expressway’s which will connect Uttar Pradesh like never before. (Purvachal, Bundelkhan, Gorakhpur- link, Ganga Expressway).
Meghalaya:
• For contact less booking and safe travels, the Meghalaya tourism department will soon launch a ‘Check into Nature App’ for online booking of tickets.
• Government has identified various tourism locations in South West Khasi Hills district, which they plan to develop to promote tourism.
• Mawkyrwat and its neighbouring area is being developed too, keeping in mind the hot springs in the Jakrem area and heritage monolith site.
Mizoram:
• The ministry has approved to train at least 20 local youths to become government approved guides. This will make tourists aware of the unique culture and diversity of the state.
• Also, the government is planning to construct a five-star hotel in Aizawl.
Though only some states are listed above but soon all would come up with their own action plans to promote tourism. The new developments happening in every state will add more places for you to discover with a broader cultural view. In some time, things will get back to normal and we will uncover a new India.