‘Budget for tourism is a huge letdown’, says Jyoti Mayal

Expressing her views on the Union Budget 2024-2025 presented by Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman today, Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India and Vice Chairperson, FAITH, said, “The budget for tourism is a huge letdown. Out of 28 states and 8 Union Territories, the FM focuses on the infrastructure development of a couple of states, which is quite disappointing. However, the promotion of a religious corridor in these states is appreciated. The only word of inclusion is the reduction of TDS for all e-commerce companies and a simpler tax regime for foreign shipping companies’ operations in the domestic market for cruise tourism.”

She added that the focus on skilling is appreciable but where will the jobs be created in the tourism sector unless the employer can absorb more and pay the skilled youth?