Besides functioning as a food delivery service in 16 Indian cities , a QMin food truck was recently launched in Mumbai cluster approach of dominating certain markets is the way forward for them . “ For example , we have 18 operating properties only in Goa and 17 properties in Delhi-NCR . No other group can dream of coming close to this number and that ’ s what we strive for .”
ON EMERGING STRONGER When dealing with a pandemic situation , it is important to identify the right time to boost tourism , hotel and aviation business , Chhatwal says . As scientists and medical experts warn of an imminent third wave of COVID-19 in India , Chhatwal feels the Indian travel industry needs to have a strategy in place .
“ We need to work on COVID protocols for travel and ensure that it is uniform across India ,” he says . “ A lot depends on international travel also . Fortunately , the peak travel season in India is between October to March , so we have some time to open up . We can wait and watch till September 15 to see how things are progressing .”
The need of the hour is a relief package , Chhatwal adds . “ This sector has been paying all statutory obligations , although hotels were unilaterally closed on orders by the Central or state governments . We paid licensing fees , excise fees , property tax , minimum electricity charges . For an industry that ’ s paralyzed , hooked to a ventilator and almost about to enter a mortuary , it is not right as a lot of lives and livelihoods are dependent on the revival of the industry .”
At the end of the day , hope is not a strategy , perseverance and resilience are , Chhatwal says .
The past 18 months have been a difficult time on all fronts , he says .
“ There ’ s a German saying – ‘ es kommt immer anders als man denkt ,’ that means ‘ life will always take a different path than you imagine it to be ’. That ’ s what I learned of this experience ,” Chhatwal adds . “ Personally , it was a trying time as well . My family lives partly in Germany and partly in the U . K . But I ’ ve stayed in touch with them and made it a point to make time to speak to them daily and visit them as often as I could .”
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