A resolution was unanimously adopted at the Tourism Ministers’ conclave 2019 held at Kovalam, Trivandrum which was inaugurated by Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala. Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel, the Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent charge), was the chief guest at the event presided over by Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister of Tourism and Devaswom Govt of Kerala.
The conclave voiced concern at the high tax rate for hotel rooms compared with other countries. The GST council of India has imposed 28% GST on hotel room tariff over Rs. 7,500 and 18% on rooms with tariff between Rs. 2,500 and Rs.7,500.
The resolution, moved by Mr. C.T. Ravi, Minister for Tourism of Karnataka, said that the reduction in GST in hotel room tariffs was essential to draw more tourists.
The resolution also called for measures to reduce steep airfares which posed tough competition from other world destination.
“The steep airfares are forcing tourists to seek other cheaper destinations. The unexpected closure of private airlines has led to the increase of airfares and minimal connectivity with two-tier and three-tier cities has only worsened the problem,” the resolution said.
The conclave also pointed out the high inter-state tourist vehicle taxes and urged its rationalisation across states to make seamless travel a reality.
Seconding the resolution move by Mr. Ravi, Mr. Jyothi Prakash Panigrahi, Minister of Tourism, Odisha, proposed the setting up of regional tourism councils and developing tourism circuits. The setting up of regional tourism councils will facilitate continued interaction among different states and boost collaboration.
The conclave deliberated on key issues such as sustainable tourism, challenges faced by the industry, and branding and promotion of State Tourism Boards.
Mr. P.Sreeramakrishnan, Speaker, Kerala Assembly, delivered a special address, while Mr. M. Vijayakumar, former speaker and chairman of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, felicitated.
Mr. Krishnakumar Rishi, Minister of Tourism, Bihar; Mr. H. Khehovi Yeputhomi, Adviser in Charge of Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, Nagaland; Ms. Rani George, Secretary, Tourism, Kerala; Mr. Bala Kiran, Director, Tourism, Kerala; Ms. Deepika K. Sharma, Director, Tourism, Jammu; Mr. Sanjiv Gadkar, Director, Tourism, Goa; and Mr. Ajay Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director, Rajasthan Tourism and top tourism officials from various states made presentations and deliberated upon various issues at the conclave.
Tourism India, Indias Travel Magazine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UE1GtDo-zg&list=PLcjK_FEaQfQNi6dI8X3z5svMU7VuuDZrE&index=1
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