Validity period of hotel approval & classification extended till June 30

In a major relaxation to the tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism today said that it was extending the validity period of approval and classification of hotels and accommodation units has been extended till June 30, 2020.

Ministry of Tourism classifies hotels under the star rating system. Under this system, hotels and accommodation units are given various ratings ranging from one to five stars, five Star deluxe, legacy vintage, homestays, and guest houses including others.

The Government has decided that validity of approval or certifications of hotels and other accommodation units whose project approvals and classification status have expired or are likely to expire in the period from March 24, 2020, till June 29, 2020, will be extended till June 30, 2020.

"Considering the current situation when the hospitality industry is going through a very difficult time in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown that has severely impacted the accommodation sector, it has been decided that validity of approval or certifications of hotels and other accommodation units whose project approvals and classification have expired are deemed to be extended till June 30, the ministry said in a statement.

Due to the postponement of inspection work and application scrutiny during the lockdown period, it has decided to allow six months' relaxation or extension to all categories of tour operators for their approval with the ministry.

In addition to this, the tourism ministry has also allowed a six-month extension to the approvals granted to all categories of tour operators, travel agents and tourist transport operators.

The extension is valid for the operators in case the already granted approval is likely to expire or has expired between March 20, 2020, till the continuation of lockdown and the operator has applied for a renewal.