IATO writes to PM seeking formation of Indian Tourism Board and allocation of Rs 1000 crore to attract foreign tourist

New Delhi: As per trends observed by IATO and discussion with every other FTA( Foreign Tourist Arrival) stakeholder, it is assessed by the body that FTA in India has not still not touched the 2019 level in the last financial year . While the importance of Inbound Tourism as a precious Foreign Exchange earner and Soft Diplomacy Tool cannot be over emphasised, India as a destination with such raw and natural beauty is performing way below its potential. To step up, IATO has written to PM where it has urged immediate budgetary allocation of Rs 1000 crore under Incredible India Campaign and formation of “India Tourism Board” under the PM’s leadership with the specific objective of increasing FTA’s. These measures are required as the coming season is a few months away and can help boost inbound tourism in this financial year.

 Says Mr. Ravi Gosain, President IATO, “When global trade is facing unprecedented disruptions due to tariff wars and geopolitical shifts, tourism exports remain unaffected by such constraints. Unlike goods, India's tourism export (i.e. foreign tourists spending in India), which is non-tariff based, brings direct foreign exchange earnings into the country. This positions inbound tourism as a stable, sustainable, and immediate contributor to India’s current account with valuable foreign exchange, employment generation and balances forex trade deficit. Yet , regretfully the country is lagging in its effort to attract foreign tourists”.

Considering every foreign visitor to India becomes an ambassador of Indian culture, heritage, values and the immense multiplier impact it has in terms of employment generator and net revenue it earns, we still have not valued it as much as we should have. This sector alone has the potential to contribute 1-2 percent to the GDP and therefore this engine needs to fire, implores Gosain.  

“To enhance FTA numbers besides the steps suggested above. We need simplified Visa facilitation, expanding the scope of e-Visas, fast-tracking group tourist visas and exploring Visa fees waivers for select countries. Further we need to  Incentivise international airlines and air charters to improve air connectivity to key tourism circuits, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 destination”, according to Gosain 

About IATO

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is the National Apex Body of inbound Tour Operators and works closely with Government and other Hospitality stakeholders on policy issues related to Foreign Tourists arrival in the country.