TravTalk India Online Magazine
IATO held its virtual interactive meeting recently,where members discussed the new MDA guidelines for promotion of domestic tourism and the impending SEIS dues.
Nisha Verma
In his opening remarks, Rajesh Mudgill, Hony. Secretary, IATO, shared that the new MDA guidelines for promotion of domestic tourism was good news. The revised MDA scheme would offer financial support to tourism service providers approved by MOT for promotion of domestic tourism.
Maximum three tours in one financial year, with only one tour to a particular state would be permissible for the service provider. One additional tour, apart from the three tours, will be permissible for visiting any Northeast state, J&K and Ladakh. In fact, service providers from northeastern states, J&K and Ladakh can avail the facility for as many as four tours in one financial year under the scheme. The financial benefits include 90% of Economy Class airfare or 2nd AC train fare for participation in travel fairs and exhibitions, as well as 90% of cost of built-up or furnished stall, and participation fee. The upper ceiling for the cost would be `1,35,000 per trip (including GST & taxes) subject to actual (including air/train fare – `35,000, cost of stall or participation fee- `1,00,000),” he informed. Apart from that, Mudgill informed that the MOT had released revised guidelines for recognition of tourism service providers. Green Shoots, option to operate from home, and staff employment have been added.
Pronab Sarkar, President, IATO, shared that IATO had reached out to Special Secretary and JS-MOC and explained their concerns to the department of SEIS. In its inputs to SEPC for the new guidelines for the next five years, IATO has proposed 10% SEIS during season and 15% in off season.
