IATO suggests ways to boost India tourism
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In a bid to boost inbound tourism, the Indian Association of Tour Operators has suggested a series of measures to Secretary of Tourism, S Banerjee, to attract more visitors to the country, Anil Mathur reports.
The association, led by President, Vijay Thakur, and Senior Vice President, Arjun Sharma firstly recommended that the tourist visa be made complementary or be given for two years, rather than the present six months.
To make the package costs to India competitive with other countries, the IATO delegation said the tax structure should be rationalised and entry fees to sites of historical interest be reduced. The much-criticised service tax should be waived for three years, it said, adding that export industry benefits must be given to tourism.
The association pointed out that the tax component in India on the tourism sector is 52%, including 43% local and state taxes, as opposed to 12-18% in other countries.
Higher outlay should be given for participation in trade shows, it added.
The Secretary is said to have assured the IATO leadership that he would consider the points raised.
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