Author(s): Monika Ahlawat, Punit Gautam, Dinesh Bhatia, Bhupinder Chaudhary & Sushman Sharma
This document aims to understand the extent to which the loss has occurred due to the COVID 19 pandemic to the tourism and hospitality industry which provides the chief support to the country by its major contribution to the GDP. The tourism industry is the pillar for many countries all over the world due to its large contribution to foreign exchange, also the economies of definite countries excel on it. In India, the contribution of the Tourism industry towards GDP is in large share along with the great employment opportunities to the people in the far-reaching regions of the country. It also helps in conserving the culture, beliefs, and natural environment of a signified tourist place. Also, it is a matter of profound concern that tourism has been adversely affected due to the spread of the novel coronavirus since the emergence of 2020. Due to the force lockdowns by several governments all over the world, travel plans of the tourists were at stake which led to heavy cancellations in bookings and huge uncertainty to the fate of the tourism industry. The most adverse effect of the pandemic was seen on the service industries like tourism, hospitality, and retail services as well. The United Nations also presumes that there is a decline in the international tourist arrivals by 20% to 30% when compared to 2019 data. Due to prolonged lockdown periods lasting several months, many of the North-eastern states faced several difficulties and challenges. It led to a major loss in the tourism, agricultural, and also rural economy. Still, there is always a hopeful prospect to the aloof situation and the forced lockdown open on to the new technological reforms for the people all over the world.