6^th March 2020

To, All Members

Sub: Coronavirus - Adherence of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Guidelines by Hotels and other associations

Dear Colleagues,

As informed you yesterday IATO delegation had a meeting with Secretary (Tourism) and other senior officials in the Ministry of Tourism with regard to hotels denying accommodation to Italian and other foreign tourists and not allowing them to check-in at their hotel.

Below letter dated 5^th March 2020 has been sent by the Ministry of Tourism to FHRAI, HAI, all the associations and Regional Directors, Indiatourism Offices in all Region wherein it is clarified that all the Hotels, irrespective of their classification status, not to deny accommodation to tourists/guests without any symptoms of COVID-19.  In case of reporting of such incidence, stringent action will be initiated against such hotels.

Members may show this to the hotels and any hotel who deny check-in and refuse entry, please contact the concerned Regional Director, Indiatourism office of the region where the hotel is located.  

A copy of Advisory issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding Guidelines for prevention of transmission and disinfection for Hotels is attached.

With best regards,

Pronab Sarkar

President

Subject: Coronavirus - Adherence of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Guidelines by Hotels and other accommodations.

Sir/ Madam, 

As you are aware, some cases of Novel Corona Virus have been detected recently in some foreign tourists and the Government has taken all possible steps to contain the outbreak. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a detailed advisory to be followed regarding the tourist/visitors with potential to exposure to COVID-19.  A copy of Advisory issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is enclosed which may be followed scrupulously.

In some cases, the tourists have reported to have been denied accommodation without having any symptoms of the virus. This kind of incidence creates stress and panic in addition to adversely effecting the reputation of the country as a destination.  The Competent Authorities are of the opinion that there should be no hesitation on part of the hotels/accommodation units to accommodate in such cases.

Please advise all the Hotels, irrespective of their classification status, not to deny accommodation to tourists/guests without any symptoms of COVID-19.  In case of reporting of such incidence, stringent action will be initiated against such hotels. 

Your Sincerely

(B.B. Dash)

bibhuti.dash72@gov.in

011-23358656 

Director (Hotel & Restaurant Division)

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India