New Delhi: Since this was a vote on account and an interim budget, no big announcement was expected, said Aashish Gupta, Consulting CEO, FAITH in his statement on Antrim Budget.
Ashish Gupta said, It is hoped that the actual budget in July will take forward the statement of Intent announced in the interim budget of international promotion , developing iconic destinations in partnership with states through an incentive based system, further focus on domestic tourism and recognition of mice tourism capabilities of India further to G20 in India and also continuing focus on new airports and Vande Bharat trains and high traffic highways.
It is also hoped that that the continuous engagements of the FAITH Associations with Government officials may reflect in the July budget given the industry’s employment investment & forex creation potential. Announcements such as infrastructure status for the hospitality industry, focus on enhancing foreign tourist arrivals through enhanced overseas marketing budgets and free tourist visas and reduction of GST to 12% for hotels and restaurants and 1.8 % to tour operators with full setoffs will reflect a long term intent to promote a tourism, travel and hospitality driven economy.
Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, said, ” Though we welcome the increase in budgetary allocation to 2,000 cr from last financial year ‘s 1600 crore and mention of branding in the budget speech of the FM, we must renember that unless we dont do roadshows overseases, Familirastion trips and publicity campaigns abroad till then we would not be able to draw tourist to our country.
Every country in our neighbourhood is courting Indian tourists but our effort towards drawing tourists from abroad is zilch. We have to understand that we need to compete but the urgency and the importance this matter should receive is still missing’
