budget has laid out some "big investments" for the industry, both in terms of infrastructure and technology.
budget has laid out some "big investments" for the industry, both in terms of infrastructure and technology.
"Kicking off on a good note, this year's budget brought happiness to many with the removal of service charges on bookings made through IRCTC - indicating the government's focus to drive more digital transactions," he says.
He also lauded some of the announcements in the Railway budget like 'Raksha coach', 'clean my coach services', 'coach mitra' facility for registering complaints and installation of bio-toilets, which he feels would "attract back travellers by improving cleanliness, safety and passenger comfort".
Another important development was the introduction of the special tourism zones anchored on SPV (Special purpose vehicle) that will be established in partnership with the state governments.
"The move will lead to creation of new tourist hubs and catalyse both domestic and inbound tourism. The sharp focus on building improved connectivity, particularly investment in road, railways and airport infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country, is a welcome move for the travel and tourism sector.
"This will increase the number of destinations on the tourist map by reducing the travel time to these smaller cities and towns," says Dhall.
However, Kapil Goswamy of BigBreaks.com feels disappointed with the industry's concerns about high tax rates being "ignored" by the government, and feels that waiving off service tax on IRCTC online bookings would "not help the industry directly".
"Even if you consider the indirect benefit, the saving that travelers will make the withdrawal of service tax on online train bookings is too small (minimum Rs 46 and maximum Rs 138) to encourage travel and tourism and make a difference to the fortunes of the travel industry.
"Of course, we will be passing the benefit to our customers, but it is too miniscule and inconsequential for us," says Goswamy.
(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
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