Guwahati: Keeping in mind the huge losses incurred by the hospitality sector since the coronavirus landed on Indian shores, the Union Ministry of Tourism has extended the validity period of approval and classifications of hotels and other accommodation units until June 30 2020.
The Ministry in a statement said that considering the current situation when the hospitality industry is going through a very difficult time in the wake of Covid 19 Pandemic and lockdown that has severely impacted the accommodation sector, it has been decided that validity of approval or certifications of hotels and other accommodation units whose project approvals/reapprovals and classification/reclassification have expired/are likely to expire during the period from March 24 to June 29 are deemed to be extended till June 30.
Due to postponement of inspection work and application scrutiny during the lockdown period, the Ministry of Tourism has decided to allow six months' relaxation or extension to all categories of tour operators (inbound, domestic, adventure) travel agents and tourist transport operators for their approval with the Ministry of Tourism subject to the following conditions: -
Firstly, the previous approval expired or the current approval expires during the period of 20th March, 2020 (i.e. the date of issuance of order by the Ministry for discontinuation of inspection work by India Tourism offices) till continuation of lockdown. Secondly, they need to have applied for renewal before expiry of their current or previous approval.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Ministry of Tourism classifies hotels under the star rating system to conform to the expected standards for different classes of tourists. Under this system, hotels are given a rating, from One Star to Three Star, Four and Five Star with or without alcohol, Five Star Deluxe, Heritage (Basic), Heritage (Classic), Heritage (Grand), Legacy Vintage (Basic), Legacy Vintage (Classic), Legacy Vintage (Grand) and Apartment Hotels, Home stays, Guest house, etc. The classification or certification of these establishments is valid for a period of five years.