In response to significant losses, the plan to lease out tourist complexes and resorts has been initiated. Initially, Ethnic India Tourist Resort in Rai (Sonipat) and subsequently Magpie Tourist Complex in Faridabad, Shama Tourist Complex in Gurugram, Myna Tourist Resort in Rohtak, and Kingfisher Tourist Complex in Ambala are earmarked for leasing due to substantial financial constraints faced by the tourism corporation.
The tourism sector, known as both a growth engine and an employment generator, has been facing financial challenges in Haryana. Despite efforts to recover losses, the scenario has remained unchanged. As part of the recovery plan, the Tourism Department has proposed leasing out the aforementioned complexes. While all these tourist complexes are strategically located along national highways, attracting a significant number of tourists, they have struggled to overcome financial losses.
According to information from the department, a Committee of Secretaries (COSI) meeting was held on November 22, chaired by the Chief Secretary, discussing the leasing process for tourist complexes and restaurants. The plan involves leasing the tourist complexes for 11 years plus an additional 11 years, a shorter term compared to the previous 39 plus 39 years pattern. Private companies and hotel operators have been invited to express interest in leasing one complex initially as a trial.The Tourism Corporation, established in September 1974, currently operates 47 tourist places, overseeing operations such as bars, tourist taxis, petrol pumps, boating in lakes, swimming pools, health clubs, and golf clubs. However, the corporation has faced increasing losses and struggled to implement effective plans to attract tourists.
An anonymous senior official from the tourism department cited various factors contributing to the losses, including the tradition of leaders and officials staying at the complexes without payment. Additionally, the high rental costs, shortage of staff, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have added to the challenges faced by the corporation.In 2020, the state government proposed handing over all 47 hotel-restaurant complexes under Haryana Tourism Corporation to private hands for a lease period of 20 to 25 years. However, internal conflicts between Tourism Corporation Chairman Randhir Golan and Tourism Minister Kanwar Pal Gurjar stalled the process at that time.
