The Poona Hoteliers’ Association (PHA), taking cognisance of the situation owing to the Covid-19 infection and the steps taken by the Government to curb the spread of the infection, has written to Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on behalf of its member hotels, restaurants and allied institutions seeking interim relief given the huge losses facing the industry.

The association is a non-profit entity working in the interest of industry stakeholders. Its members include over 90 major star and independently-operated hotels and hotel management institutes in the city of Pune.

In the light of the drastic fall in occupancies and customers at the restaurants, PHA, in its submission, has requested the Government for assistance in offering relief in licence fees, levies, taxes, duties and GST (Goods and Services Tax) on various amenities, including electricity, fuel, excise and municipal levies to tide over the current crisis.

“Our effort is merely to draw the attention of the Government towards the plight of hoteliers and the industry which is the single largest generator of employment in the country,” said Sharan Shetty, the association’s president.

“A favourable consideration will help the industry save several jobs which are under threat right now, apart from keeping several ancillary businesses afloat. There are many families dependent upon employment generated directly and indirectly by the industry, and we only seek to do our bit to ensure we keep the kitchen fires burning in their homes,” he added.

The plea highlighted the critical state that hoteliers and hospitality professionals find themselves in, due to dwindling revenues and pressures to service debt and fulfill financial obligations towards the Government.

PHA has also sent copies of the appeal to relevant departments like the Tourism Ministry, Maharashtra, the commissioners of the PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation) and the PCMC (Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation) and the collector of Pune.