Tourism likely to get a boost in upcoming budget

Some time back there many were not happy about the high GST rates which were initially being charged for the tourism sector in India. However ever since not only have the rates being cut, but the Government of India is also planning out other steps to boost the tourism sector in India. It is more than likely that we would get a glimpse of the same in the upcoming budget which is scheduled to be presented towards the end of next month.

Why the focus is on the tourism sector?

It is not without reason that the government is laying stress on development on the hospitality sector in India. This is a sector which happens to be one which offers plenty of jobs and creates a lot of employment. The government is likely not only to cut the taxes but also announce several steps to boost private investments for the sector.

Experts feel that the upcoming budget may to a large extent raise allocations for tourism infrastructure and also raise income tax exemptions on investments in new hotels. They are also of the opinion that the honourable finance minister might also lower income tax on corporate profit and even offer tax incentives on hotel construction too. Apart from this the government may allocate more funds towards new tourist trains and building roads to tourist destinations.

It is seen that the tourists in India, on an average pay 30 per cent tax on hotel rooms. This is much higher compared to less than 10 per cent in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. The good news for you is that with the probable announcements for incentives for tourism in India the benefits are likely to be passed on the tourists as well. This means that you may have to pay fewer taxes on your tours and travel in India in the future.

Steps already had been taken in West Bengal to boost tourism

The fresh set of benefits for tourism would be a add-on for the many steps which have been taken by the West Bengal State Government to boost tourism in the state. The development is quite evident in the most popular tourist locations in West Bengal like Digha.  SO in case you rae already planning for holiday trips in Summer, it might be costing you less with the probable steps which might be announced in the upcoming budget next month.