Creating 102 million jobs by 2029; Investment of 1,30,148 crores to Build branded Rooms
Suman Billa, Additional secretary, Ministry of Tourism, recently presented a Tourism Business Plan 2024-29, a roadmap for accelerating progress in India’s Tourism Sector at the FHRAI convention in Goa. Inspiring confidence and surge ahead is India’s economy is surging at 7% CAGR, positioning travel and tourism for robust growth. The following charts speak for themselves.
Pillars to achieve targets 2024-2034
- Infrastructure Development: 10% of destinations need 8+ hours from the nearest airport, to improve last mile connectivity, transportation; facilitate ease of investments in accommodation and convention centres.
- Aggressive Marketing: Increase marketing budget for targeted marketing campaigns for digital presence, tie-up with international and domestic airlines based on connectivity; establish India Tourism Board for agility in market access.
- Regulatory Reforms: Offer free visas for a short period to key source markets; streamline Visa and immigration access for High-Value Tourist Air Charters and Cruises, review and standardise protocols for cruise ports; standardise ease of doing business for tourism with states.
- Smart taxation: Disparate ATF raises airline costs – standardize ATF rates with states and GST Council; confusing dual GST rates (12% & 18%) on accommodation – implement a flat 12% GST rate – accommodation tax (VAT/GST) 10% in the region.
- Service Excellence: Develop training programs for women and marginalised youth, encourage quality certification, and incentivise private investment in education infrastructure.
- Sustainable Practice: Promote benchmarking, establish standards, provide rewards and incentives for sustainable practices, especially to destinations, MSMEs, B&Bs and homestays.
- Niche Tourism: Promote and expand Medical, Wellness, Spiritual, Adventure, MICE & cruises; increase government support, tax refunds and incentives; promote Tax-Free Shopping for foreign tourists, implement IGST Act for increased demand for locally produced goods and incremental revenue.
- Rigorous Monitoring: Utilize data analytics and establish robust feedback process to improve the tourist experience.
- Safety & Security: Establish a Tourist Security Force with employment opportunities for ex-service personnel; law for safeguarding the Rights of Tourists, under the provision of the Consumer Protection Act for cheating and fraud.
- Crisis Preparedness: Contingency plans for managing natural disasters, pandemics and emergencies that impact tourism.