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In view of the Incredible India Campaign by the Ministry of Tourism and the open sky policy, there is a boom in the inbound tourism, whereas, the infrastructure is not enough to fulfill the requirement. The IATO, therefore, recommends that the existing hotel be allowed to build 2/3 additional storeys, in the base category particularly in gateway and metro cities to meet the immediate requirement and these rooms be reserved for inbound leisure tourists and IATO members. |
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In view of shortage of accommodation, particularly in Megha Cities and to meet the immediate requirement, IATO recommends that the recognition of appropriate guest houses and home stay programme be expedited with a deadline of 1st October, 2005 by the respective governments. |
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The IATO recommends that the states particularly of megha cities and places of tourist destinations be approached to allot land on concessional rates/on long term lease to the private entrepreneur for the hotel sites to meet the accommodation requirement for the tourists mainly for 2/3 star categories. States car act as sleeping partners, if they so desire. This will be an investment for the states rather than expenditure. |
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IATO recommends that hotel should reserve/earmarked minimum 25-30% rooms for the inbound leisure tourism I gateway and metro cities, for which IATO will approach the concerned authorities. |
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IATO recommends that hotels should not increase their tariff un-proportionately. Once the commitment by the hotel is made for the accommodation to the tour operator, it should be honoured to maintain the business ethics and save the image of the country. |
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IATO recommends that domestic airlines and hotels should make no discrimination between non-residents & residents and there should be only one INR tariff. This will help to bring down the package prices in the world markets. Relevancy of this aspect is enhanced in view of the directives received from the Ministry of Finance, for not insisting the foreign tourists/visitors to pay only in foreign currency. As per his directives, foreign tourists/visitors willing to pay in Indian currency cannot be refused as per the RBI guidelines. |
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IATO recommends rationalization of transport taxes on the tourist vehicles, which varies from state to state. IATO also recommends Ministry of Tourism to initiate dialogues with the Ministry of Surface Transport and the State Governments to work out a formula for one point collection of transport tax for the tourist vehicles. |
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IATO recommends that there should be 90% abatement on package cost for service tax. Service tax should be charged only on 10% of the package cost. This has already been taken up with the Abatement Committee of the Ministry of Finance. |
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IATO recommends to re-introduce the applicability of Section 80 HHC of Income Tax Act for Tour Operators earning foreign exchange. |
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(a) IATO recommends that the Archaeological Survey of India should reduce the monument entry fee for the foreign tourist reasonably.
(b) Tour Operators be allowed to purchase the entry tickets in advance from the Central Place and it should be commissionable by 10% as per the international norms. |
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In view of acute shortage of language speaking guides, particularly in the small tourist destinations, the Centre/State governments should conduct the course for language speaking guides on priority basis. IATO recommends that retired defence personnel/wives of the defence personnels, should be encouraged, who can be proved to be an assets. |
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The IATO recommends that FHRAI should be approached to sign the Agreement on Code of Practice immediately, which has already been finalized by both the organization and is pending for signatures. |
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IATO recommends that there should be atleast one international airport in each state and Union Territories. |
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IATO recommends that low cost carriers be approached to bring out the group fares and tour operators be allowed to make bookings for their foreign/Indian tourists in advance as is being practiced by other regular domestic airlines. |
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IATO recommends for Visa on Arrival particularly for the nationals of 14 countries, which has already been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs without sacrificing the security elements IATO also recommends that Ministry of External Affairs be approached to introduce Electronic Visa System. |
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IATO recommends that a movement be initiated to unite all the trade organizations to have one voice of the industry, which is heard in the corridors of powers. |
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IATO appreciates the cleanliness movement in all the major tourist destinations initiated by the Ministry of Tourism. It is recommended that all states be approached to take up this case on priority basis. It further recommends that for this purpose, IATO chapters be advised to take up the case with their respective state governments/authorities. |
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IATO recommends that the Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Forests and Environment be approached to take the stringent and effective measures to control the mushrooming of constructions to maintain the sanctity of the surroundings and natural environment. |
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IATO recommends that the State Governments/Union Territories be approached for the promotion of regional tourism in coordination with IATO. |
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IATO recommends for the abolition of Fringe Benefit Tax on the Tour Operators. |
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