Terming the tourist transporters as 'vahaks' (carriers) of tourism industry, for providing the last mile connectivity, he said, "I am going to meet the transport minister soon to sort out the problems of multiple tax system in inter-state transportation. The issue is also being taken up with state governments separately."
He said this while inaugurating the 4th convention of the Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA), the national body of tourist transporters, here.
If the 12th Five-Year Plan target of 12 million foreign tourist arrivals is met then sector would generate about three crore new jobs, he said, adding "The tourism industry is the biggest job generator."
The Tourism Ministry is trying to extend the Visa-on- Arrival (VoA) scheme to more countries for increasing the tourist arrivals. Currently the government has allowed the VoA facility for 11 countries including Japan, Singapore and New Zealand.
"We are in discussion with Home Ministry and External Affairs Ministry to extend the facility to 10 more countries including France, Germany and CIS nations," he said.
ITTA president Sarab Jit Singh said the industry is enthused to meet the challenge of 12 million arrivals in 2016-17 and wanted the government to address some of the major challenges faced by the tourism transport sector.
