Gita NEWSLETTER

Newsletter

AUGUST 2014

	GITA TRAVEL DESK
	HOT DESTINATION
	Travel update

	hotel news
	aviation news
	INDIA UPDATE

Andaman & Nicobar Tourism & IATO to jointly promote Leisure & Beach Tourism

The Andaman & Nicobar Tourism and Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) have decided to come together to promote Leisure and Beach Tourism in the Union Territory (UT). Andaman & Nicobar Tourism and IATO will soon organise a Familiarisation (FAM) trip for travel agents to educate them about the destination and its unique attractions, which will enable them to sell packages more effectively. Besides, IATO has invited agents from Andaman & Nicobar Islands to attend its 30th annual Convention that will be held from September 4 to 7 at Kempinski Ambience Hotel in New Delhi. This invitation is to provide an opportunity to the travel trade of the UT to showcase the tourism attractions of Andaman & Nicobar Islands before the travel trade fraternity. This was informed by Subhash Goyal, President, IATO.

Reduction in Luxury Tax on heritage hotels in Rajasthan expected to boost tourism

The proposal of Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister, Government of Rajasthan, to reduce taxes on heritage hotels is seen as an attempt to revive tourism that has been traditionally the backbone of the state's economy. In the State Budget, Raje reduced VAT (Value Added Tax) for basic category of heritage properties from 14 per cent to 5 per cent. This segment of properties constitutes the majority of heritage properties, although there are many hotels in 'Classic' and 'Grand' categories. In order to encourage Rural Tourism, the Minister has exempted all guest houses with up to five rooms from Luxury Tax. Rural Rajasthan is dotted with small, old havelis and the move will see owners of such properties converting them to guest houses. Raje also reduced Luxury Tax on heritage properties during off-season from five per cent to four per cent, since during summer, tourist inflow to the state comes down drastically.