The Hindu Business Line : IATO proposes steps to boost tourism industry

THE 21st annual convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has made several recommendations to the Union and State Governments to improve tourist infrastructure in the country.

Considering the surge in tourist arrivals, the IATO has recommended that the Centre and State Governments should allow the existing hotels to build two or three additional storeys, particularly in metro cities to meet the immediate requirement.

Though there is a boom in the inbound tourism following the Incredible India Campaign initiated by the Tourism Ministry, the infrastructure is not able to meet the demand, a resolution passed at the IATO convention said.

In view of the shortage of accommodation, especially in mega cities, and to meet the immediate requirement, IATO demanded that the respective governments should expedite the recognition of appropriate guesthouses and home stay programmes.

The States should be approached to allot land on concessional rates on long-term lease to the private entrepreneur for hotel sites to meet the accommodation requirement, particularly of mega cities and places of tourist interest. A resolution passed at the IATO convention said that the States could act as sleeping partners, if they so desire. This would be an investment, rather than expenditure, for the States.

IATO recommended that the domestic airlines and hotels should have only one tariff both for Indians and the foreign tourists. This will help in bringing the package cost competitive in the world market. It also demanded that rationalisation of luxury tax in all the States - which should not be more than 5 per cent. This should be charged only on the actual tariff and not on the printed tariff.

Likewise, there should be rationalisation of transport taxes on the tourist vehicles, which varies from State to State. The Tourism Ministry should also initiate dialogue with the Surface Transport Ministry and the State Governments to work out a formula for one-point collection of transport tax for tourist vehicles. Since tourism is the largest employment generator and foreign exchange earner, IATO demanded the Government give tourism the same status accorded to exporters, infrastructure and software industry.

In view of the acute shortage of language speaking guides, particularly in small tourist destinations, the Centre and State Governments should conduct courses for language speaking guides on priority basis. The services of retired defence personnel and their wives can be used in this regard.

The IATO has also demanded for `visa on arrival' for citizens of 14 countries, which has already been approved by the Home Ministry without sacrificing the security elements. It also recommends that External Affairs Ministry be approached to introduce electronic visa system.

The Ministry of Urban Development and the Ministry of Environment and Forests should take stringent and effective measures to control the mushrooming of constructions to maintain the sanctity of the surroundings and natural environment.

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