Need to establish Welfare Fund Board and Co-operative Bank in tourism sector: ATTOI President
The Association of Tourism Trade Organisations India (ATTOI) has come forward with a proposal to create a Welfare Fund Board and a Co-operative Bank for the benefit of the tourism sector. Kerala tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran has agreed to support the proposal, ATTOI President Vinod CS said.
The ATTOI president had made these recommendations to the minister during a virtual conference on Tuesday which saw participation from all industry stakeholders.
Kerala had to bear the brunt of multiple calamities in recent times, with the advent of the nipah virus, the floods and then the coronavirus. The state’s tourism sector has been the most affected industry as a result, directly impacting entrepreneurs and employees alike.
“This is why I would like to propose two things. Other sectors have welfare funds. But tourism doesn’t have one. It’s high time the tourism fraternity is protected by a welfare fund board. The government, employer and the employee can contribute to it,” Vinod said.
Tourism is a sector that has many small-time entrepreneurs who have made minimal investments in the sector to start a business. Hence this welfare fund should cover them, not just the employees, Vinod said.
“We also need a co-operative bank that helps the sector that can provide low interest loans. The bank may even provide interest free loans during critical times such as these. This is going to be a massive exercise but we have started off the process,” the ATTOI President added.
The tourism industry stakeholders can send their suggestions to attoioffice@gmail.com or WhatsApp them to the ATTOI President (Mobile No. 9447161619)