Examining Pre-Budget hopes...

Reactions from the industry regarding the India Budget-2014 can be termed as ‘lukewarm’ at best. Despite these hopes, many choose to stick to old needs like getting ‘industry status’.

Outbound tourism in India is growing, while the rise in inbound has not been the way we wanted it to be. I would request the Central Government to recognise the tourism sector and make sure that the Budget helps to improve the infrastructure. Also, the taxes should be removed. There should be exemption of entry tax for tourists. The entry fees at various monuments and places of interest should also be reasonable.

Iqbal Mulla

President, TAAI There is no point in making a wishlist for domestic tourism. Until the taxation process is streamlined, no incentives will work. Also, as this is the election year, we are expecting no game-changers. Because there is tremendous potential in the segment, domestic tourism will grow with or without any incentives.

Mukesh Jagga

Interim President, ADTOI We want tour operators to get exemption from service tax. Also, because we are the foreignexchange earners for the country and we help to create jobs; we want the government to give us funds at reduced rates to upgrade IT facilities and other such measures. We want a tax break, if any of the tour operators invest in infrastructure development. Also luxury tax should be reduced and there should be uniformity of tax between the Centre and state.

Subhash Goyal

President, IATO We wish to see the service tax issue being solved. As this is Election year, there will be nothing new to look forward to in this budget. However, we would still hope the multiple taxation system is tackled. A clarity in taxation and a single-window system is the need of the hour.

Praveen Chugh

Vice President, TAFI