Tourism, hotels sector wants fair deal in Budget

Pinning its hopes on the upcoming Union Budget, the tourism and hospitality sector has made several recommendations to the government to help it emerge from the impact of COVID-19 crisis.

To ensure that there is a shared tourism vision across the Centre and states, industry has also proposed creation of a National Tourism Council of Chief Ministers headed by the Prime Minister along with the tourism minister, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) said in a statement.

The federation has also asked for industry status for the tourism industry across the country, by putting it in the concurrent list, it added.

"FAITH Associations collectively are engaging with different members of the government and look forward to getting a fair deal in the Union Budget," FAITH Consulting CEO Aashish Gupta said.

"FAITH has recommended export earnings be made tax free and also incidence of taxes in tourism earnings be zero rated. Additionally, Service Exports From India Scheme (SEIS) of 10 per cent to all foreign exchange earning members in tourism be made applicable for 5 years to ensure a post-COVID recovery," FAITH added.

The sector is also expecting a concerted strategy to ensure that the tourism industry becomes a mainstay domestic industry.