Budget 2018: Tourism sector wants Jaitley to cut GST on sub-Rs 7,500 rooms

GST should apply only to services rendered in India, and govt should also look at developing MICE clusters in and around key metro cities and tourist destinations, says Cox & Kings CEO Peter Kerkar

The tourism industry is one of the key drivers of employment generation and inclusive growth in India. And, it could be made to be even more important as a sector of the economy with some push from Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the upcoming Budget 2018.

According to the tourism ministry, the tourism sector accounts for 6.88 per cent of the country’s total gross domestic product (GDP), and 12.36 per cent of the total employment in terms of jobs. Therefore, it is imperative that the Narendra Modi-led central government would take important steps to nurture this industry.