Give boost to Tourism & Hospitality sector for fast & inclusive economic growth: Rana Kapoor President

India's vibrant Tourism industry has the potential to grow four-fold to INR 25 lakh crore by 2022. ASSOCHAM believes that Tourism and Hospitality sector can contribute significantly to economic growth by accelerating infrastructure development, generating livelihood, bringing in foreign exchange and facilitating social up-liftment through education, skill development and cross-cultural interface.

Development of 50 thematic, affordable tourism circuits will unleash the sectors' untapped potential and create a transformational shift for 'BRAND INDIA', in addition to creating new jobs by 2024. Number of foreign tourists coming to India is estimated to increase from 75 Lakh currently, to over 1.3 crore by 2024; and revenue from domestic tourism likely to grow by 8.2% in 2014 from 5.1% last year. Although the above figures are impressive, India's current share of tourist arrival is a mere 0.64%.

 

ASSOCHAM recommends short and long term measures to the Government to give boost to the Tourism and Hospitality sector that has multiplier effect on the Indian economy.

Immediate / Short Term Recommendations:

'Infrastructure' status for hotel projects with minimum 50-100 rooms, from current cost-based criteria of INR 200 crore or more; reduce availability constraints by expanding mid-segment hotels of 2-3 star category

Single window clearance for all approvals and permissions for developing hotels and attractive incentives for setting up hotels in hinterland destinations

Fast track E-Visa facility, especially for SAARC, BIMSTEC, GCC and ASEAN nations - explore 'combined visa' to encourage stopovers

Enable cashless payment ecosystem through travel cards and e-payments

Create strong tourism footprint around International sporting events such as Under-17 FIFA World Cup 2017, Indian Premier League, Hockey India League

Revive Inter-State Council's recommendations on Eco-tourism

Differentiate campaigns for target countries and repeat visitors, create 24X7 tourism guidance cells, information centers and tourist-focused mobile applications

Promote India as a safe destination - register all tour guides and operators with State Governments

Long Term Recommendations:

Introduce uniform tax structure across States and VAT refunds for international tourists leaving India

Develop 50 tourist circuits around themes such as Religion, Heritage, Culture, Himalayas, Desert, North-East Region, Coastal, Sports and Films

India is home to most major religions of the world - significant enabler for Religious Tourism such as Buddhist Tourism Circuit and Hindu pilgrimage beyond Char Dham - also explore synergy with the North East, SAARC and South East Asian countries

Promote several regional festivals for year round tourist footfall - Kumbh, Pushkar and Hornbill - akin to 'Oktober Fest' of Germany

Develop world class Convention Centres for growth in MICE tourism

Develop 100 new airports in Tier II and III cities to improve air connectivity in the hinterland -upgrade over 300 unused air strips

Effective collaboration with Railways to promote 'Go beyond' tourism destinations and develop Pilgrimage Rail Network

Implement River Front Development Projects in major cities, such as the 'Clean Yamuna' initiative and linking Delhi - Agra waterway

Address skill gap and provide vocational training, including soft skills for on-ground service providers at transit hubs and monuments

Tourism and Hospitality industry to integrate disaster management plan through better coordination with the Government, NDMA and other key agencies

Align Centre and State policies to promote collaborative community-based tourism as a source of sustainable livelihood for local communities

Powered by Capital Market - Live News