New Delhi: At a time when India is becoming the biggest source market for the world countries, we are not able to leverage the potential of our travellers going abroad. Definitely it’s not the beauty that attracts our people to go abroad but it is the high taxes that encourage them to visit foreign countries, says PP Khanna, President of Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India.
“Whether it is a tour operator, hoteliers, transporter or any other service provider of this industry is suffering a lot; high GST rates on hotels makes our package costlier, our margins have been squeezed because of the competition with OTA’s that creates a lot of challenges in running our business,” he explained.
Elaborating on the importance of tourism sector Khanna further said that it has become a major sector of the world economy. It is a significant contributor to the employment generation and states’ GDP. Various developments in tourism and hospitality sector helping in elevation of poverty by providing job opportunity.
According to him, Domestic tourism – which offers huge potential, is the base of pyramid of tourism industry. Domestic tourism is a powerful tool to connect people, culture, heritage, cuisine, attire and so many things from one state to other state. The launch of several branding and marketing initiatives by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India such as Incredible India campaign, the slogan – Atithi Devo Bhava, has made our culture so rich.
He opines that along with other prominent segments of tourism Andhra Pradesh must promote Buddhist Circuit, Tribal Tourism – the hidden treasure of the state. Most of our fraternity members have not experienced these segments. “We should bring these segments of tourism in the world map so that it can attract more tourists to the state.”
Talking about air connectivity to Visakhapatnam he suggests that more flights are required to make travel convenient to this part of the world.
