This has a reference to a news item on illegal tourism dated 27th September, 2020, in your newspaper. Stakeholders are not going to benefit even if there is 100 per cent legal tourism. One suggestion could be all residential houses/structures irrespective of any size constructed prior to 31st December, 1990, and used for temporary accommodation of tourists may be categorized as D-category hotel subject to NOC from the State departments concerned. This could be supported by a house tax receipt or a registered lease agreement (not leave and licence Agreement). Submitting title documents is a futile exercise because the municipality or the panchayat certify the ownership documents by registering name on house tax register. Secondly, all premises, including multi-residential, used for business/commercial purpose or under rent-back scheme or premises having swimming pool, parking space, air-conditioned rooms, bar & restaurant may be categorized as C- category hotels. In the absence of a tourism policy, the government at present favours largescale, elite hotels and leisure facilities under the shelter of Tourist Trade Act, 1982. It is important that the government reaches out and engages in a dialogue with all tourism stakeholders and listen to their suggestions.
