Tourism sector is hoping for relaxation in taxes in the upcoming Union Budget

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector is hoping for relaxation in taxes in the upcoming Union Budget which is expected to be presented by Union Finance Minister NirmalaSitharaman on February 1.

According to hoteliers, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is among the most impacted sectors in Himachal Pradesh; hence, the government needs to bring schemes for its revival and attract more tourists.

President of the Himachal Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association, AshwaniBamba said, “We are very hopeful from the upcoming budget as you know that tourism industry is the most affected sector due to COVID-19 in the past two years. Firstly, we want that the government to give the tourism sector equal status as that of the industrial sector along with equal facilities. Secondly, we request the government to provide low-interest finance to us. There is no GST on hotel rooms below the tariff of rupees one thousand which should be rupees two thousand. So that the tourists’ flow will increase and will help to revive the economy.”

Ashish Mishra, a hotelier in Mcleodganj said, “Tourism industry is the main industry in Himachal Pradesh and COVID has destroyed this sector. As far as the upcoming budget is concerned we hope that government should pay attention to our woes. The tourism industry is like a chain business. There are taxi operators, shopkeepers, hotels all depend on each other and everyone is affected. So, first of all, I hope that government will give relief in tax slab and give a special package to the tourism industry to benefit interdependent people.”

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