Removing speed breakers
The fourth national convention of Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA) was recently concluded in Delhi. reports the highlights of the event.
MEGHA PAUL Inaugurating
the two-day convention themed Enhancing Capabilities: Meeting National Tourism Target, Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister for Tourism, stressed on the importance of road transporters in the country. Sahai pointed out, “This segment provides the last mile connectivity. I want this segment to double its business so that we can achieve our national target along with providing employment.” Talking about the development of an apt business model for the purpose, he added, “For realisation of the full potential, the Tourism Ministry has envisaged a target of 12 per cent growth rate in foreign tourist arrivals as well as domestic tourist visits during the 12th Five-Year Plan period.
According to Singh, there is a dire need to keep rates competitive by rationalising the taxes, which makes India 25-30 per cent costlier than other destinations. Service tax and interstate taxes on tourist vehicles are points of major concern. There is a scope to cater to the anticipated demand-supply gap through the move will jeopardise survival of various operators. The proposed rule is highly partisan in nature and says that any claim in excess of
10 lakh owing to accident will be borne by the transporter and the vehicle will remain impounded for as long as the money is not paid to the claimant.”
Citing the example of the United States, RH Khwaja, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said, “The world’s largest economy has taken so many initiatives to boost tourism to negate the ill-effects of the recession in the country. It is high time that India took some effective measure to combat economic adversities back home.