Delhi tourism policy on the cards
The Delhi Budget 2017-18 has earmarked ` 119 crore to boost tourism and is planning to develop an ecotourism hub at Yamuna riverfront. The proposal to reduce VAT on ATF from 25 per cent to 1 per cent was the highlight though the hospitality industry did n
What the Delhi Budget entails for aviation is a welcome move. Reducing the tax on ATF from 25 per cent to 1 per cent for regional flights is a very good idea and an effective one as well, because we need to connect the smaller towns and develop bigger airports in it to promote regional connectivity. I think the other states should also follow suit if they want more people travelling for tourism and other purposes. Accessibility is the key for every kind of growth, be it for tourism or any other segment.
The initiative of developing riverfront at Yamuna is a bold step since this initiative was much neglected by governments and it will help strengthen ecotourism. Many global platforms can be picked up for promotions such as tourism exhibitions and niche marketing campaign which has been long neglected in the past. The city could be great attraction to heritage and modern nightlife for global travellers. The government needs to learn from the states like Rajasthan and Kerala which run marketing drives to promote their state at international platforms.
One of the significant decisions made by the Delhi Government is to cut the VAT on ATF from the current 25 per cent to one per cent for flights bound for remote areas. This is urgently required as this will provide both the existing and new airlines an opportunity to grow and connect to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Once connectivity increases, travel will increase and this will help in the development of remote areas as well. With the introduction of GST in July this year, the state government would have felt it prudent to not tax the hospitality industry.
It is very heartening to see that Delhi has taken initiatives to develop as a better tourism hub and these steps have to be applauded. Domestic travellers may find these developments attractive and thus can extend their stay in Delhi to up to three nights. Since we operate in the North East too, the reduction of VAT on ATF is a welcome move to boost connectivity between Delhi and the remote areas. Though the ecotourism hub proposed at Yamuna riverfront is a good move, I feel if Yamuna could be made navigable and clean then short cruising on the river, with dinner and live performances, and cultural shows can add a new dimension to the city’s tourism.
I feel the Delhi Government’s move to create an ecotourism hub at Yamuna riverfront is a very good move because these spaces can add to the number of tourism activities in the city and also preserve the environment. Though the Budget has various initiatives for tourism, I feel Delhi needs to develop and promote soft adventure activities in the Aravalli region. I also suggest that Delhi Tourism should develop a product brochure for MICE that can be held in the city as it is a big business hub and its potential is yet not harnessed.
Delhi Budget 2017-18 Highlights
Announced a cut in VAT on ATF from the current 25% to 1% for flights bound for remote areas Total expenditure of ` 119 crore on tourism in 2017-18
Proposal to introduce a single-window clearance system for film shoots Plan to develop the riverfront of Yamuna
Plan to make the Garden of Five Senses as a hub of nightlife with a luxury food court
It was said that a tourism policy for the state is in the making