New Delhi (NVI): The Uttarakhand government has come up with an initiative called ‘Tourist Incentive Coupon’, handing out discount coupons to tourists who check in to hotels and homestays across the state.
The initiative, aimed at improving tourism sector in the Himalayan state. Under this project, tourists coming to Uttarakhand will get Rs 1,000 or 25 per cent of the accommodation charges per day (whichever is less) subject to a maximum stay of 3 days, said Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj.
However, this is the perfect opportunity for holidaymakers who wanted to explore the picturesque hills of Dehradun, Nainital and Mussoorie, he added.
The offer, which will come into effect in the next few days, will only be applicable to those who do a three-day online booking at any hotel or homestay in the state.
The minister said, “The tourists will be given the discount coupon while registering themselves on the government portal under tourist category. They will then be able to use the coupon during their stay in a hotel or homestay in the tourist spots of the state.”
The decision on the pilot project was finalised at a Cabinet meeting. During the meeting, the government also discussed refunding tourists, who had advance bookings at the famous Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve. Apparently, the national park is still shut because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism is one of the major sources of revenue in Uttarakhand and draws a significant number of tourists from across the country and globe every year.
This year, due to the virus outbreak, the economy had to suffer. So, now the government is rolling out some innovative activities and schemes to attract tourists and reshape the tourism industry.
Other states also have come up with some offers to draw tourists, like the Madhya Pradesh Government recently launched Intezaar Aapka campaign calling tourists to visit the state.
Furthermore, an overall expenditure of Rs 2.7 crore is expected under this scheme in the initial month, which will be compensated from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
-RJV
