Hope, Caution And Alarm For The Travel Industry
Travel Trade Journal|February 2023
The Union Budget 2023-24 was presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2023. Expectations ran high, as every industry and its verticals have their own wishlist and pain areas which they look forward to being addressed. The travel, tourism and hospitality industry has its own long pending list of unaddressed issues for which constant representations have been made over the years. As usual, they remained unaddressed even in this budget. What was presented was a progressive, growth-oriented agenda for tourism at a macro level. However, the issues relating to the immediate survival and global competitiveness of the industry remained unaddressed. To add insult to injury, a massive hike in the TCS regime was proposed.
Gurjit Singh Ahuja
Hope, Caution And Alarm For The Travel Industry

Finally, "T" for Tourism did find a mention in the Budget 2023-24 presented by the Finance Minister. The government's enthusiasm towards the development of the tourism footprint, infrastructure, and encouragement towards "Dekho Apna Desh" and "Swadesh Darshan" came across very clearly with its announcements of multiple schemes encouraging domestic tourism. All this in the backdrop of the government shutting down the overseas India Tourism offices that were responsible for promoting inbound travel into India from the overseas markets sent out mixed signals, akin to a race driver pushing the accelerator with the 'handUnion brakes' pulled.

• 50 destinations to be developed with a focus on local-level tourism and promotion of Gl products and handicrafts to boost local arts and artisans.

• Infrastructural focus announcing 50 new airports, heliports, water aerodromes, and revival of advanced landing grounds to enhance regional access and connectivity, also generating direct and indirect job opportunities.

• Enhanced budgetary outlays for railways, roads, and highways to help long-term growth of the domestic travel and tourism industry.

• Income tax rebates to taxpayers to result in an increase in disposable incomes thus indirectly encouraging travel.

The Industry Industry associations were disappointed as the Union Budget failed to provide the travel and tourism industry with the anticipated respite on rationalisation of GST. Also, the issue of TCS, exemption of GST on foreign exchange earnings, and refund of tax on shopping under the Tax Refund to Tourist (TRT) Scheme found no mention.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2023 من Travel Trade Journal.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2023 من Travel Trade Journal.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من TRAVEL TRADE JOURNAL مشاهدة الكل
The Clarks Hotels and Resorts adapting, innovating, and thriving in a dynamic hospitality landscape
Travel Trade Journal

The Clarks Hotels and Resorts adapting, innovating, and thriving in a dynamic hospitality landscape

In this insightful interaction with Rahul Deb Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer, The Clarks Hotels and Resorts, he highlights the brand's strategic growth, commitment to service excellence, and focus on innovation and expanding global reach.

time-read
3 mins  |
TTJ September 2024
Uttar Pradesh advances Responsible Tourism initiatives with key stakeholders
Travel Trade Journal

Uttar Pradesh advances Responsible Tourism initiatives with key stakeholders

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable tourism with a workshop that brought together key industry stakeholders and global experts to discuss responsible tourism.

time-read
2 mins  |
TTJ September 2024
A Divine Confluence of Faith and Culture
Travel Trade Journal

A Divine Confluence of Faith and Culture

Every 12 years, the city of Prayagraj transforms into a focal point of one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in the world—the Maha Kumbh Mela. Rooted in ancient Hindu tradition, this grand festival commemorates the mythological churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, seeking the nectar of immortality. As millions of devotees and pilgrims converge in the sacred city, they are drawn by the promise of spiritual renewal through a ritual bath in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet.

time-read
3 mins  |
TTJ September 2024
EGYPTAIR celebrates a year of connectivity and growth on the New Delhi-Cairo Route
Travel Trade Journal

EGYPTAIR celebrates a year of connectivity and growth on the New Delhi-Cairo Route

In August 2023, EGYPTAIR launched its second Indian route with four weekly flights from New Delhi. One year into operations, TTJ spoke with Amr Ali, Country Manager, EGYPTAIR, about the journey and current offerings.

time-read
1 min  |
TTJ September 2024
With a forward-looking strategy, IndiGo is well-positioned to lead the aviation industry in India
Travel Trade Journal

With a forward-looking strategy, IndiGo is well-positioned to lead the aviation industry in India

As IndiGo marks 18 years of soaring success, Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, unveils the airline's dynamic vision for the future. From ambitious fleet expansions to innovative customer experiences, the airline is set to redefine travel in India and beyond. With a robust strategy aligning with India's growing aviation sector, IndiGo aims to connect more destinations and elevate passenger comfort on its journey towards 2030.

time-read
4 mins  |
TTJ September 2024
SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD
Travel Trade Journal

SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), founded in 1991 and headquartered in the UK, is renowned for its luxury boutique hotels across the globe that offer personalised experiences with local flair. Mark Wong, Senior Vice President - Asia Pacific, SLH, who drives the brand's growth and visibility in the region, recently visited India. TTJ interacted with Wong about the exciting hotel brand and its foray into the Indian market.

time-read
4 mins  |
TTJ September 2024
Etrav continues to elevate its B2B strategies with advanced technology solutions
Travel Trade Journal

Etrav continues to elevate its B2B strategies with advanced technology solutions

Henil Ruparelia, Managing Director, Etrav Tech Limited, highlights the company's impressive growth and strategic advancements. Headquartered in Surat with operations in Mumbai, Etrav has expanded globally, embracing innovative technologies and enhancing B2B offerings, thereby solidifying its position in the travel industry.

time-read
3 mins  |
TTJ September 2024
WelcomHeritage Bringing Luxury to Offbeat Destinations
Travel Trade Journal

WelcomHeritage Bringing Luxury to Offbeat Destinations

In a world where travel preferences constantly evolve, WelcomHeritage stands as a symbol of timeless luxury and heritage preservation. Since its modest beginnings in 1997, the brand has grown into a collection of 35 distinct properties that offer more than just a stay; they provide a journey through India's royal history, natural beauty, and cultural richness. As travel trends shift toward authenticity and responsibility, Abinash Manghani, CEO, WelcomHeritage, shares how the brand is redefining luxury travel for the modern adventurer.

time-read
2 mins  |
TTJ September 2024
Asego addresses both traditional and new-age travel risks
Travel Trade Journal

Asego addresses both traditional and new-age travel risks

Asego is leading the way in travel insurance with innovative products that meet the needs of modern globetrotters, offering comprehensive global coverage. Dev Karvat, Founder and CEO, Asego, highlights the company's strategic alignment with both inbound and domestic travel trends, providing tailored travel insurance solutions for today's travellers. Asego's commitment to diverse travel experiences and its emphasis on trust and reliability in the travel trade ensure its prominence in the dynamic travel landscape.

time-read
2 mins  |
TTJ September 2024
Maldives' Tourism Renaissance
Travel Trade Journal

Maldives' Tourism Renaissance

As bilateral relations between the two nations continue on the path to improvement, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is amongst the organisations leading efforts to revitalise tourism from the Indian market. In an exclusive interview, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director, MMPRC, provided a comprehensive overview of the strategies and initiatives designed to reverse the recent decline in Indian tourist arrivals.

time-read
2 mins  |
TTJ September 2024