'Visit India 2009' is a scheme being launched from April to December and is a confidence building exercise to build the confidence of a recessionary world terrorized by the Mumbai attack. The government has announced various incentives for the tourists as well the tourism and hospitality industry according to a Press Release
Incentives by way of value additions would be offered to foreign tourists visiting the country during the period April to December 2009.
The value additions that would be offered include:
1. Complimentary international air passage for traveling companion
2. One night complimentary stay in the hotel booked by the tourist.
3. One complimentary local sightseeing tour in any one city of visit
4. One complimentary Rural Eco Holiday in the country
The scheme would work on the concept of providing one additional or complimentary service to the tourist, for every service paid for. The incentives would be offered in collaboration with Airlines, Hotels and Tour Operators.
The three major Indian carriers Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines are partners in the Scheme and will offer the complimentary air passages for traveling companions.
All member hotels of the Hotel Association of India will offer one complimentary night stay in the hotel booked by the tourist. Members of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, who are recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, will offer one complimentary local sightseeing tour in any one of the cities included in the itinerary of the tourist.
The travel industry benefits include enhanced subsidy of 25% in participation fee by the Ministry of Tourism and the Indiatourism offices overseas in the India Pavilions set up at the major International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions till the end of the financial year 2009-10.
The hotel industry too stands to gain significantly through a 5- year tax holiday for budget hotels coming up in Delhi and adjoining areas for the Commonwealth Games 2010. There will be an extension of tax holiday for new hotels coming up at World Heritage Sites.
Promotional initiatives have been launched in the important tourist generating markets overseas to promote tourism to the country. The following months will see a spur in such advertisements.
Foreign tourist arrivals, one of the major contributors to the country's foreign exchange earning, started declining since November last year due to global financial crisis. Tourism was hit badly by Mumbai terror strike. Hotels witnessed and panicked to see the cancellations of over 50%. The government took cognizance of the situation and decided to take measures to improve the situation after discussing with all stakeholders. |