The COVID-19 pandemic has left the tourism industry in tatters across the globe. This phenomenon is more prominent in the state of Maharashtra which continues to see a high caseload in comparison to other states in India. The State Government is now planning to revive the tourism industry, at least in Mumbai, by allowing guided walking tours of the city starting this week.
The government believes that locals will partake in these guided tours given that international tourists are unlikely to make their way to Mumbai at this point in time. This move is also aimed at helping tour guides who have been left without an income since the lockdown was announced in March.
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Valsa Nair-Singh, the state’s Principal Secretary (Tourism), confirmed the development and mentioned that private tour operators had previously made a plea to the government asking for a resumption of guided tours.
It’s worth mentioning that the state has already approved the reopening of restaurants, cafes, and bars as part of its Unlock 5.0 plan. So it’s clear that the authorities are willing to push ahead with both guided tours as well as other public places in a bid to bring the city back to normal.
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Though the government has officially approved walking tours with guides, operators are expected to adhere to the norms and guidelines laid down by the health department. This includes social distancing as well as wearing of masks.
Handshakes, high-fives, or fist-bumps are not to be allowed during these walking tours. Authorities have also made it clear that tour guides may not take participants through areas marked as containment zones.
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