State govts urged to provide tax reliefs to tourism sector

NEW DELHI: The Centre has asked state governments to provide tax reliefs to the tourism sector in line with those granted by it, Tourism Minister Jagmohan said.
"As we have rationalised taxes like service tax and expenditure tax for the tourism sector, we have asked the state governments to provide similar relief to boost tourism across the country," he said after inaugurating the 4th International Travel and Tourism Mart.
Stressing that India was a safe destination, he said despite terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir or the last one in Gujarat, "India is very safe and secure".
Though several foreign governments had issued travel advisories, Jagmohan said these advisories had since been withdrawn or diluted drastically. "Something happening in a certain area does not mean the entire country is unsafe. India is a vast country."
He said a recent survey among foreign tourists had shown that "not a single tourist had complained of insecurity".
Stating that foreign tourist arrivals had increased by 14 per cent and domestic by 42 per cent over the last year, he said the Tourism Ministry had planned creation of tourist hubs in all the states and provide funds to create infrastructure and connectivity.
Minister of State for Tourism Vinod Khanna was also present. About 400 buyers and sellers representing various streams of tourism and travel trade, including foreign players, are showcasing various aspects of Indian and foreign destinations at the mart.