FAITH urges MoT to revive both demand and supply drivers

Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality, (FATH) the policy federation of all the national associations representing the complete tourism, travel and hospitality industry of India had an inter-association meeting with the Ministry of Tourism.

To revive both demand and supply drivers, FAITH and its 10 member associations have proposed solutions such as dual-task forces strategy, free Evisa across categories, Uniform quarantine policies, creating consumer confidence and dispelling fear, etc, among many others. These issues were identified to enhance tourism demand while protecting tourism supply in India.

The dual-task force strategy is creating an interministerial task force at the central government level and an interstate task force. These two task forces need to be empowered and need to be agile to fast track decision making as tourism will be the last sector to revive.

To stimulate domestic tourism FAITH associations recommended dispelling consumer fear and confusion by ensuring uniform inter-quarantine air and land border policy across all states. The associations proposed a multiyear e- visa holiday for all visa categories as and when till inbound demand to India stabilises. This needs to be complemented by publicising widely the revised 96 hour RT PCR policy for COVID testing and ensuring standardisation across all airports.

Marketing communication of tourism should be kick-started which should focus on positivity and safety of Indian tourism while weaving these messages around different product segments, destinations, and incredible concepts of Indian tourism in multiple Indian and international languages to help stimulate both domestic and international tourism

FAITH Associations have requested Delhi Hotels to be unlocked as Delhi is the gateway of North India. They have also requested for all states to support hospitality by giving a statutory waiver on all fixed liabilities power costs, liquor permits, property cesses and so on. They have suggested that GST be rationalised for hotels above Rs 7500 to be brought down to 12 per cent from 18 per cent which will stimulate domestic travel.

To financially protect the tourism companies, till the resolution plan is set in motion by the RBI, FAITH proposed extension of the moratorium of tourism and hospitality companies. FAITH Associations requested for an even more healthy partnership approach between Indian travel agents, IATA and Air India. Travel agents and consumers also need to insure against airline payment defaults of their advances and cancellations and mechanisms need to be put in place.

FAITH spokesperson said that the FAITH Associations are hopeful that the demand generation measures and supply protection measures for tourism will be implemented quickly to kick start Indian tourism and express their gratitude to Tourism Ministry for initiating this exercise.