According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, an initiative of the Union Ministry of Commerce, international hotel chains will contribute 47% to the tourism and travel sector in the country by 2020
Stressing that hotels boost tourism and create jobs, the industry has sought one single rate under Goods and Service Tax to facilitate its growth.
"The imposition of 18% and 28% GST at different hotels creates confusion in the business. If this is equalised and made 12%, it will be far better," said Dr Vitthal Kamat, chairman and managing director of Kamat Group of Hotels.
According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, an initiative of the Union Ministry of Commerce, international hotel chains will contribute 47% to the tourism and travel sector in the country by 2020. This figure will likely touch 50% in 2022.
"As far as employment is concerned, the industry has a lot of potential. For instance, just for housekeeping and maintenance of a room in a five-star hotel, nearly 38 employees are required," said Kamat. He proposed reintroduction of dry incentives to boost the industry.
In 2017, IBEF said, the travel and tourism sector contributed to 8% of total opportunities. This is expected to grow to 10% by 2028.
International tourist arrivals in India are expected to reach 30.5 million by 2028. By 2020, the medical tourism industry is likely to touch $9 billion, according to IBEF. India has a diverse portfolio of niche tourism products – cruises, adventure, medical, wellness, sports, eco-tourism, rural and religious tourism.
Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, 13 thematic circuits in the country have been selected for development of tourism infrastructure. The country offers geographical diversity, attractive beaches, 30 World Heritage Sites and 25 bio-geographic zones.
Experts believe that though there are a lot of opportunities in the sector, the government will have to give special attention to it because the growth of the tourism sector is unthinkable without the hotel industry.
Zee Media Newsroom
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