Assam’s tourism industry fears massive jobs losses, without urgent financial assistance

Assam’s travel and tourism sector had to initially grapple with curfew and violence during the anti-CAA protests in December. And now the coronavirus pandemic has given it another body blow.

Tourism in Assam has been battered so much this season (October to April) that those depending on it now fear massive jobs losses in the sector, without urgent financial assistance from the government. It is estimated that 80% of people will lose jobs this season, with hardly any income coming into the travel and tourism sector.

Most of the tourism businesses in Assam are run by first generation entrepreneurs/start-ups with very small financial base. Many will find it extremely difficult to meet the challenges beyond a certain point of time. Total estimated loss till date will run into
date will run to hundreds of crores and prospect of job loss in this sector is very real. This will lead to loss of livelihood options for lakhs of people dependent on the related activities like handlooms and handicrafts, art and culture, wildlife, besides others,” said a memorandum submitted to Assam government by three major tour operators’ organisations.

The memorandum was signed by Tour Operators Association of Assam, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India, Northeast chapter and
Indian Association of Tour Operators, Northeast chapter. It has been submitted to Assam government’s advisory committee for revitalisation of the state economy.

The associations sought long term loans to the tour operators without collateral security, and a moratorium on loan EMIs till March 2021. They have also requested for deferment of fee collection by the various government agencies for another year.

These measures are necessary as most tour operators will need to restructure/ rebuild their businesses. “All this will take a long time to bear fruit and hence, we request for a long term ‘soft’ loan. Tourism sector needs a special hand-holding in terms of financial aid as tourism is seasonal in the region,” the associations stated in the memorandum.