With the budget being around the corner, the industry is looking up to Nirmala Sitharaman to meet their expectations. Generation of funds for infrastructural developments of railways and airports, reduction of tax rates, implementation of single rate GST and maintenance of tourist places and heritage sites are some of the many expectations from the upcoming budget.

TRAVEL AND hospitality industry is one of the growing sectors in the Indian economy and plays a major role in the employment generation and growth in GDP. The government of India has launched various initiatives like Incredible India, Clean India, Make in India which has helped the industry in attracting international tourists and growing.   

With the budget being around the corner, the industry is looking up to Nirmala Sitharaman to meet their expectations. Generation of funds for infrastructural developments of railways and airports, reduction of tax rates, implementation of single rate GST and maintenance of tourist places and heritage sites are some of the many expectations from the upcoming budget. 

BW Hotelier spoke to various industry veterans to know their expectations and opinion about the upcoming budget.

“We are optimistic and hopeful that the government will continue to be open-minded and maintain the impetus of its past initiatives while bringing necessary reformations to further enable the aviation sector. The Regional connectivity Scheme titled UDAN needs particular attention and allocation in this Budget,” said Indroneel Dutt, Chief Financial Officer, Cleartrip. “We also hope that the government will bring necessary provisions to accommodate four different slabs under ‘One GST Rate’ in this budget,” he further added.

Mahesh Iyer, Executive Director & CEO, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd said, “We look forward to increased focus and sustained delivery on key initiatives like UDAN aimed at enhancing the regional connectivity and affordable air travel, Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), integrated development of pilgrimage destinations through Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD), increased allocation towards enhancement of the e-Visa initiative to include additional countries, development of new tourism circuits and attractions, along with increased focus on infrastructure – roads, railways, airports, waterways and sanitation to catalyse growth.

The experts are expecting the government to strengthen the initiatives like Clean India Campaign, Incredible India and allocation of funds with respect to green engage, water conservation and waste management to create a culture of sustainable hospitality. Given the recent developments and challenges faced by the aviation sector, the experts believe there is an urgent need for a holistic view and corrective measures to be taken in the interest of the larger tourism, hospitality and business environment.

Dipak Deva, Managing Director, TCI (Travel Corporation India) said, “The Union Budget 2019 looks promising and we are hopeful that its integration will boost inbound tourism further having a cascading impact on the overall industry. Our wish list includes waiving off tourist visa fee to encourage international travellers to visit India. Investment in marketing spends to initiate global campaigns to promote Incredible India campaign and showcase the best of our country globally in addition to sufficient impetus through social media will also work a great deal in placing India firmly on the international tourist radar.”

“Also, reduction in GST to 18% will further encourage travellers to visit the country. Efficient execution of the tourism policies to improve the tourism related infrastructure will make the country a preferred destination for foreign travellers,” he further added.