IATO appeals to reverse tiger tourism ban
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The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has appealed to the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) to reverse the Supreme Court order to ban tiger tourism in wildlife parks. IATO’s President, Subhash Goyal said in a letter to the Subodh Kant Sahai said that the association may approach the Divison Bench of the Supreme Court to look at way to lift the imposed ban.
If the ban is implemented, jobs in the sector are likely to dip, while poaching activities will get encouraged. At the same time, tour operators are likely to face a lot of cancellations from international visitors due to the global coverage on the Supreme Court’s decision.
Subhash Goyal, President of IATO said, “Because of tourism, wildlife is being protected and preserved and in case tourist activities are restricted in the wildlife parks, people who are involved like jeep drivers, guides etc. for showing tigers to tourists will become jobless and chances are there they become poachers as there will be no source of income for them. He further added that it will not only lead to loss of jobs for the locals but will also be loss of revenue for the wildlife parks.”