Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni has offered Archaeological Survey of India expertise in restoring the hotel, which was damaged during the strike.
NEW DELHI: In the aftermath of terror attack on the Taj Hotel in Mumbai, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni has offered Archaeological Survey of India expertise in restoring the hotel, which was damaged during the strike.
"Taj Mahal hotel, a heritage property, was badly damaged due to the prolonged terrorist attack on it. So our ministry has offered ASI help to the hotel management in restoring and renovating the property," said a senior Tourism Ministry official.
Soni has herself written to Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata offering ASI expertise in restoring and renovating the Taj Hotel in Mumbai.
She has also written to the management of Oberoi Hotel management offering condolences, the official said.
Besides the Taj, the Oberoi hotel in the metropolis was also targeted by the terrorists.
The attacks on India's financial capital has also had an effect on tourist arrivals to the country.
Travel agencies said many travellers have cancelled their tickets after the incident, causing big losses.
The Tourism Ministry has convened a meeting of the National Tourism Advisory Council to assess the situation and discuss confidence building measures, both for domestic and foreign tourists on December 15.
Travel company Bird Group Executive Director Ankur Bhatia said, "Foreign travellers cancelled a lot of tickets after the attacks."
Agreeing with Bhatia, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) president Vijay Thakur said global economic recession had already affected tourist arrivals and the Mumbai incident had only worsened the situation.
The ministry has also written to all state governments about security measures to be taken at hotels.
In a communication to chief secretaries of states, the ministry has suggested measures be taken to instill security among tourists.
It has also updated its website with the security situation in India.
"There have been security concerns on account of terror strikes in Mumbai. The Indian security forces are in control and the situation is being constantly monitored at the highest level.
Central security agencies and the state governments have also acted swiftly and the security all over the country is being beefed up to ensure the safety of all the citizens and tourists visiting the country," the ministry's website says.
It has already sent communication to different stakeholders and tour operators enlisting the measures taken by it during and after the attacks in Mumbai.
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