NASHIK: The tourist sector has been stalled for the last one-and-half years due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The citizens are now learning to live with it. However, there are restrictions on tourism. Due to lockdowns, curfews and district bans, the tourism sector has not been able to recover even after a year. As a result, small and big businesses that depend on tourism are facing difficulties.
Thousands of locals have lost their jobs due to the collapse of the tourism business. The tourism sector has been in turmoil since the first lockdown. The state had enforced lockdown with strict restrictions to control the second wave. This has hit domestic tourism.
Tourism in the country and abroad has also stalled throughout the year. Due to the increasing prevalence of Covid-19, those who depend on the tourism business have started looking for another option. The tourism business in Nashik district provides employment to lakhs of people. The district also gets a large amount of revenue.
However, the Covid-19 has completely paralyzed tourism in Nashik. Tourism-dependent transport services, air services, hotelling, taxi services were also hit hard. Meanwhile, the virus has pushed the tourism sector back economically. If the situation continues for the next six months, it is likely to have far-reaching effects on the sector.
The locals were getting good employment due to the tourist destination. Many had taken out loans and invested as employment opportunities became available. However, local employment has come to a standstill as the state government has imposed restrictions on tourism due to corona. As a result, many local villagers have become indebted. Against that background, the government should announce help to the sector. – Manohar Kapadne, hotelier
Since last year, tourists have turned their back to tourist destinations. The economic cycle of the village has come to a standstill due to the non-arrival of tourists. Unemployment has risen due to a lack of manual labour. This has created a problem for the livelihood of the locals. Many guides have turned to farming again, even in the face of whimsical weather. – Shankar Lokhande, Guide
