TAG requests tax waivers

The Tour Operators & Travel Agents Association of Gujarat (TAG) met the Gujarat tourism minister to seek relief for the trade and suggest measures for reviving tourism in the state.

To help revive tourism in Gujarat, Tour Operators & Travel Agents Association of Gujarat (TAG) has submitted a document to the state tourism minister, Jawahar Chawda, seeking relief measures through tourism aid and restructuring package. The travel agents have sought industry status for travel and tourism sector. That apart, they have suggested several measures for reviving tourism in the state.

Pankaj Gupta, President, TAG, said, “Rannotsav and Statue of Unity attract tourism in Gujarat and thus, travel agents who help bring in bookings should be incentivised. Tourist-friendly infrastructure including stop-overs with proper amenities needs to be developed along the key state highways and national highways leading to tourist destinations. We have also asked for refund of cancellations from state government-owned institutions such as wildlife parks to all without any cancellation charges.” The association also asked him to help arrange a meeting with the Chief Minister.

One of the points in the document is a request for complete waiver of the following for the year 2020-21: all fixed electricity and other utility charges, property tax, RTO tax (Road and Passenger) waiver till March 2021.

List of measures TAG requests

• Incentivise highest sellers of Rannotsav and Statue of Unity
• Approve 30% TAC for all bookings at Toran hotels
• Refund from State government-owned institutions, without cancellation charges
• Provide canter safaris/jeep-sharing safaris at Sasan Gir
• Develop stopover spots on key highways with good amenities
• Media Fam trips to key destinations to showcase readiness
• Sanctioning budget for promotion of tourism into Gujarat to all key associations, starting with Rs50 lakh
• Industry status with benefits for licences, cost of utilities
• State-level tourism task force
• Interest-free working capital repaid by all within five years