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A favourite holiday spot for Indian as well as International tourists, Himachal Pradesh has a special place in the heart of every traveller. A new proposed initiative by the Chief Minister of HP can revamp the image of tourism in the state forever amid the Coronavirus pandemic. By Manya Saini
In a recent television interview, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur said that to bring tourists to its borders, the state is considering proposals to become a quarantine destination for Indians. The Coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the tourism and hospitality services across the world, affecting the livelihood of people in many hotspots that are dependent on it.
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The minister had made a statement saying that people from other parts of India will be allowed to come to Himachal Pradesh to spend their mandatory quarantine period of two weeks. However, the idea of the state government to revive tourism and bring back lost revenue through the proposal has received mixed responses.
As per reports, among those who have rejected the proposal is the president of Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association, Sanjay Sood who expressed concern regarding the safety of the hotel employees catering to people who could be potentially positive for the virus. He further added that this move can deter the arrival of regular tourists once normalcy returns.
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The Himachal Pradesh cabinet has allowed many services like hair salons banned in other parts of the country to resume. Its relaxation announced last Saturday also include allowing both public and private non-AC buses to operate with 60 per cent capacity.
As of now, 247 Coronavirus cases have been reported in Kangra, Solan, Mandi, Shimla, and Una with five deaths. The curfew restrictions have been extended till June 30 in Hamirpur and Solan districts to curb the spread of the virus.
Related: MHA Reduces Hotel Quarantine Period For Foreign Returnees To 7 Days