BHUBANESWAR: The restrictions imposed by the State Government on tourism in regions inhabited particularly by primitive vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) has left the tour operators of the State surprised as the decision came right in the middle of the tourist season. The Government decision, Travel Agents Association of Orissa (TAAO) said, will hit the operators hard as it was taken unilaterally without taking the industry into confidence. Most operators will not only face financial problems but also have legal cases. “Since tours have already been booked well in advance, in most cases, the tourists have arrived while others are on way. The restrictions will upset them since operators will have no option but to cancel the tours,” said president Benjamin Simon. As the operators are bound by norms to inform the tourists about such restrictions, the sudden decision of the Government will prompt the latter to slap legal cases against the former. Besides, this will result in negative publicity too, the TAAO said. There are about three dozen operators who hold conducted tours to the tribal areas in the State from Bhubaneswar, Puri and Berhampur. Simon said the Government could have planned the restriction for next season by consulting the industry players so as to make the whole process sustainable. Even the communities could have been taken into confidence since their youths have potential to take part in the tourism process and make ethnic tourism a true window to the cultural heritage of the State.
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