Category Archives: MOT

Sharing some of the pain points that he seeks clarity and consideration on from the FM , in the upcoming budget, Mahendra Vakharia, Executive Committee Member / Immediate Past President – OTOAI & MD, Pathfinders Holidays, shares the below: Make the GST application and adjustment of Credit rule simpler for services rendered to client based in different state, service purchased from different state and invoiced from different state…. Allow adjustment of input credit of GST for International Holidays Reduce the percentage of TCS and Simplify the application of TCS on Foreign tour packages if you are unable to completely abolish TCS on International Packages – especially when booked from a tour operator / travel agent as it is not creating a level playing field for the Travel Agent charging TCS against  a Foreign registered online portal which is allowed to process bookings without charging TCS. This is totally and completely demoralising in defeating the rule of “Make in India” and favouring the foreign operators instead of the local travel agents. Interpretation of TCS rule is also very complicated and should be made very simple – both for the client and the travel agent thereby reducing the liability of the Travel Agent for non compliance due to ambiguity of the law and its implementation In fact from the day one when TCS was introduced the request from Industry was to abolish this TCS rule for International Tour Packages. This rule is not giving the local travel agent who is generating employment, paying income tax, paying GST,  a level playing field in comparision to the online Foreign Travel Portal who is not paying income tax, not generating employment, not paying GST and taking …

Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism & Culture, UP, said, “Uttar Pradesh has an immense potential for tourism, particularly spiritual tourism. Our government’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime has improved the law and order situation of the state that led to the surge of 48 crore footfalls in UP in 2022 and 2023, a number double the population of the state.”

Speaking at the ‘Bodhi Yatra’ conclave, V Vidyavathi, Secretary, MOT, GoI, said, “Govt of India in collaboration with the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh aims to not only create a memorable experience for the Buddhist pilgrims but also ensure the development and better employment opportunities for the local communities. We are also keen to enhance the infrastructure and amenities of Buddhist Museums in the state as they are a living source of history.”

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that TCS is a fair point raised by outbound sector, because people who are doing business in India are getting disincentivised and who travel abroad can make the payment and obviate the entire necessity of paying the tax. “We will be taking it up with the Ministry of Finance,” he added.

OTOAI had a follow-up meeting with Suman Billa, Addl. Secretary, Tourism after heads of travel trade associations met new Union Minister of Tourism. “We have been assured that the ministry will take our issues. We will meet again to discuss how outbound tourism is benefiting inbound tourism,” said Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI.

Speaking about the suggestions HAI proposed to the MOT, KB Kachru, Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), and President, HAI, said, “Government has to tweak some of the policies, particularly to give infrastructure status to the tourism sector, and for talent development.”

Recognising the crucial role played by qualified tourist guides in adventure tourism in India, the Ministry of Tourism has stated that it will prioritise the enhancing of training and certification of these guides, through nationally accepted certification process. It encourages individuals to upgrade their skills through its Incredible India Tourist Guide (Adventure) certification programme conducted by the Indian Institute of Travel & Tourism Management (IITTM).

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), collaborated with the Ministry of Ayush and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. The event took place at Andaz – The Concept of Hyatt in Delhi. The focus was on showcasing yoga’s positive impact on the mind, body, and soul through practical sessions. The event featured guests like Ms. Avantika Tokas Midha, Dr. Rajarshi Bhattacharjee, and Ruchin Midha. The program commenced with a felicitation ceremony and speeches emphasising yoga’s manifold benefits. Inderjeet Sehrawat, Chief Guest Counsellor of Mahipalpur said, “Yoga plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and reducing mental stress. Disease is so bad in today’s culture that we have to go to the hospital to get rid of it. You know that you don’t pay attention to anything and then you don’t need any medicine to find time for one hour in the day. Daily practice enhances energy levels and overall well-being, preventing illness and promoting wellness. Dr. Rajarshi Bhattacharjee, Chief Medical Officer of Times News Network and Hindustan Power said, “I have practised medicine for the last 25 years and have consistently recommended yoga to my patients facing critical illnesses. Yoga, beyond mere exercise, encompasses a holistic journey involving the mind, body, and soul. It’s not just about fancy poses; it’s a way of life. Originating from India and reintroduced by Shri Modi ji, yoga promotes overall well-being when practised under proper guidance. I am truly grateful for its transformative power and encourage everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily lives for lasting health benefits.” Avantika Tokas Midha, Vice Chairperson of Council of Royal Roots said, “It’s …

Speaking about MICE, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Tourism, said, “It is a big opportunity and there is a need to bring the biggest conferences of the world here, to show the size of India’s offerings. With world-class conferencing infrastructure like Bharat Mandapam, we need to look at how we can utilise those to get more conferences in India.”

Attending the 10th Anniversary of International Yoga Day at the iconic Qutub Minar in Delhi, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, GOI, said, “India has taught ‘Yoga’ to the world. It is a part of our cultural identity. This day has completed a decade today.” He gave the message of including it in daily routine for a healthy lifestyle.