New Delhi : FAITH the policy federation of all the national associations representing the complete tourism, travel and hospitality industry of India (ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI) under the leadership of MOT, GOI held a virtual meeting with the tourism secretaries of all states and UTs.

Over the past few years, this is the third time that FAITH associations have had joint meetings with all state tourism secretaries, the first two in earlier years also being with all national tourism ministers.

FAITH associations highlighted to the state tourism secretaries the criticality of tourism to Indian GDP, forex generation, national job creation, creating soft power of India globally and infrastructure creation for India. The indirect multiplier impact of tourism on states economic growth is most critical and needs to be leveraged.

FAITH Associations highlighted a two-pronged strategy approach for Indian tourism revival post the pandemic.

At the state level, FAITH Associations requested state tourism secretaries for coordinated support for waiver of statutory obligations power, utilities, parking, inter – state tax tariffs, SGST waiver & industry status.

Additionally, they requested standardized harmonized travel protocols, quarantine free travel among vaccinated, open spaces for f&b, regional marketing campaigns and business linked revival and classification of tourism as front-line staff for vaccination within the states.

FAITH Associations urged states to coordinate with MOT to urge GST council for 12% hotel GST, IGST for hotels 1.8% tour operators GST rate, 12% rate in f&b with full set offs, option of travel agent reseller model, setoffs available on fuel, liquor, inter-state taxes, aviation fuel among other GST reforms.

Additionally FAITH Associations urged states for pursuing through MOT, GOI for opening up inbound travel and issue of tourist e visas for vaccinated travellers, abolition of TCS, tourism demand revival campaigns, fast track registration of travel trade, infrastructure status and special fiscal boost to mice and domestic & release of SEIS.

Nakul Anand, chairman, FAITH said “Today’s first ever virtual meeting of national tourism secretaries with FAITH Associations under the leadership of MOT, is unprecedented and was much needed. We are indeed grateful to secretary tourism and his leadership team of ADG & JS to facilitate the same. It is indeed heartening that all states secretaries have committed to the suggestions by FAITH associations, some having already implemented the industry status, waiver of property taxes, excise duties and declaration of tourism as front-line staff for vaccination. All FAITH Association presidents are optimistically looking forward to a great outcome for reviving the travel trade. Indeed, a revolutionary step today towards revival of Indian tourism, travel & hospitality.”