Category Archives: MOT

For the first time, the Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, has invited proposals from investors to develop and operate farm stay accommodations across the state. Jaiveer Singh, Tourism Minister, UP, said that the state is taking rural tourism to the next level with a vision that is entirely new. “This initiative is not just about creating farm accommodations — it is about turning our villages into vibrant centres of culture, livelihood, and learning. Tourists today are eager to escape concrete jungles and experience authentic farm life — from milking cows at dawn to sharing meals in rural kitchens. We are ready to provide that warmth, simplicity, and authenticity,” he said.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, delivering an inspiring keynote address at the India Travel Awards 2025, highlighted tourism’s vital role in national development and India’s global positioning as a leading travel destination. “India’s tourism growth is inevitable — the true challenge lies in how we grow. To achieve our vision of becoming a $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047, we must focus not just on numbers, but on excellence and quality that make India a proud global service leader,” he said.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister, Tourism and Culture, said, “We must focus on private sector–led tourism hub development and a Product-Linked Incentive (PLI)-based Destination Maturity model. These insights will guide the final design and rollout of these schemes, strengthening our shared vision of sustainable and world-class tourism.” He was addressing a gathering at a day-long national consultation, convened by Ministry of Tourism with participation from states and UTs, industry leaders and investors. Nearly 200 stakeholders came together to chart the roadmap for developing destinations of global standards.

Speaking at the India Travel Awards 2025, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister, Tourism & Culture, said, “Tourism is not just about travel; it is a force for inclusive growth, sustainability, and cultural exchange. With public-private partnership and innovation, India can emerge as a global model where diversity, heritage, and modernity converge.” Shekhawat said the government has encouraged states to develop at least one destination to global standards, creating new circuits and spreading benefits across the nation. “Tourism today must be sustainable and responsible, as they are not a choice but the foundation of tomorrow’s tourism. India’s commitment to mission life ensures that travel becomes a force for protecting the environment, conserving heritage, wildlife, and empowering communities.”  

The India Travel Awards 2025, held on September 9 at Le Méridien New Delhi, brought together leading voices from the travel and hospitality industry for an evening of recognition and celebration. The presence of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister, Tourism & Culture, graced the prestigious event. Honouring achievers who have driven growth, innovation, and excellence in India’s tourism sector, the event sets new benchmarks for the industry. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, was the Honoured Guest at the event. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the India Travel Awards coffee table book. The event also saw the presence of eminent industry leaders, including Ashwani Lohani, Director, Prime Ministers’ Museum & Library, and Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India.

Sharing his views on the recently amended GST regime, Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, says, “The 5% GST on hotel room tariff of Rs 7,500 or equal is I believe a positive step for us, which will help the mid-segment tourists. Hotels will get affordable. However, keeping in mind the inflation, the threshold of Rs 7,500 should have ideally been increased to Rs 15,000 to be able to cover a wider network of travellers and not just the luxury segment. The 18% GST remains the same for hotel tariffs above Rs 7,500 so it won’t make any difference to the travellers.”  

Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary, FAITH, shared his views on the revised GST regime and said, “This reduction of GST to 5 percent from 12 percent fulfils a long-standing demand of both travel and hospitality sectors. It will not only boost demand but is also going to a huge section in the organised sector. We estimate that it will be net positive for the government as total tax collection will be equal or even higher as demand gets boosted. Coming on the heels of busy tourism season ahead, it will tremendously improve the prospects of tourism and Hospitality sector. In addition, it will lead to spike in gig hiring. We welcome and see this is as hugely positive for our sector as well as overall economy. Another demand was that on Restaurants irrespective whether it is located in a 5 star hotel or not the GST should be 5%. Also on tour operators who sell package in which all components are GST paid without any ITC, the GST should be payable on the deemed 10% mark up – 18% on this value.”  

Sharing her views on the revised GST, Arshdeep Anand, VP, ATOAI, says, “The latest GST reforms are expected to create a generally positive environment, particularly with FMCG prices likely to soften, bringing down operational overheads across industries. For adventure tourism, the impact is not direct since GST continues to be levied at 5% on packages and 18% on standalone activities. However, the sector may gain indirectly. Lower GST on fuel-related inputs and logistics & changes in GST on vehicles, may translate into more affordable transportation, while reduced FMCG and supply chain costs can ease expenses for hotels, camps, and homestays catering to travellers. Adventure operators could also see marginal savings on other consumables. Together, these factors may help reduce ancillary costs and make travel experiences more affordable, which has the potential to stimulate demand.”  

Commenting on the revised GST regime, Harmandeep Singh Anand, Managing Director, Jagsons Travels, said, “Premium travel by air will get more expensive by 6% now as the same has been raised from 12 to 18%. Vehicles above 1200cc will be more expensive, as the GST has been raised from 28 to 40%, so rental taxi services not availing input credit will end up increasing the rental cost for such vehicles. Totals to the lower category has been reduced from 12 – 5%. But input tax credit has been disallowed to them. They’ll be availing a lot of input services So, depending on the size and the type of hotel, the implication will be there, and base price will increase for the consumer. The GST input credit will be disallowed for smaller hotels, particularly, which are offering it at 7500 or lower. on the higher side, it remains 18%, so there would be no change on that front. Overall. If you look at the masses, a lot of services have been reduced or made nil tax particularly for health and life insurance, GST has been reduced from 18 to nil. So that gives a lot of relief.”  

Sharing his perspective on the impact on revised GST, Santosh Sharma, Founder & CEO, BookMyJet, says, “As far as private charters are concerned, GST on buying a private jet under private category has gone up from 28% to 40%. This would definitely discourage the individual & corporate houses who are deliberating to buy their private jet under private category. Thankfully, there’s no GST implication on people who are willing to buy aircraft under NSOP category where the tax is about 5%. However, flying has increased tremendously since covid. The increase in tax, which is from 12 to 18% on business travel, will definitely discourage people from flying but people in this category wouldn’t reduce their flying cos of this. Also, the way our economy is growing and the way HNIs and corporate honchos are flying, I don’t think this additional 6% tax will hit them, because they have no choice but to pay this. As far as, premium flying is concerned, these people were already paying taxes. And in most of the airports the charges have gone up drastically. And still people are flying. So, it is natural that travellers will feel disappointed that taxes have gone higher for the luxury segments, but they have no choice but to pay the extra amount and continue to fly. I don’t think this will impact anybody except people who wanted to buy a private jet in the private category who might now think of getting their aircraft under NSOP category.”