Package for tourism sector in the offing

After the stimulus package for the India Inc, government is mulling a package including luxury tax cut for the tourism and hospitality sector.

"I have written to the Prime Minister seeking certain relief measures, including luxury tax rebate for tourism and hospitality sector," Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni told PTI.

The global meltdown, coupled with economic recession and the terror incidents, has hit the tourism industry adversely. While there is a fall of foreign tourist arrival, hotel bookings are also witnessing many cancellations.

"I discussed the crisis being faced by the tourism sector with the PM during our Shantiniketan visit. I had submitted certain proposals for his consideration," Soni said.

Besides rationalisation of luxury tax, ministry has also sought seamless movement of vehicles meant for tourists.

The Tourism Ministry has convened a meeting of the National Tourism Advisory Board next week to address the issues arising out of the current crisis.

A meeting has been called with all stakeholders to assess the situation and discuss confidence building measures for both the domestic and foreign tourists, Soni said.

The ministry has already written to all the state governments asking them to beef up security at sites of tourist importance and hotels.

It is also planning to launch a major publicity campaign to assure foreign travellers that India continue to be safe tourist destination and the terror attack like the one in Mumbai was just an aberration.