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By Author
Published on December 2, 2023
Ladakh, a region already known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is set to add another feather to its cap with the inauguration of South East Asia's first Night Sky Sanctuary. This groundbreaking initiative, located in Hanle village within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, is a result of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed among the Union Territory (UT) Administration, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
Hanle, home to India's first dark sky reserve, provides ideal conditions for stargazing due to its remote location, high altitude of 4500 meters, and minimal light pollution. The reserve will serve as an optimal site for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes, making it a prime destination for astro-tourism. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the significance of this project in the context of India's notable space achievements, including the Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 solar missions.
The Night Sky Sanctuary is expected to significantly boost local tourism and the economy through various science and technology initiatives. It also aims to join the exclusive ranks of 15 or 16 similar sites worldwide, attracting enthusiasts and researchers alike. The Sanctuary's establishment, with support from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, affiliated with the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India, marks a step forward in promoting sustainable tourism.
Additionally, the recent permission for overnight stays for foreign tourists in Hanle by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is set to enhance the region's appeal. Dr. Singh also highlighted the introduction of Snow Sculpture in Ladakh as a major tourist attraction, which promises to create job opportunities for locals.
The minister also lauded Ladakh's commitment to becoming "Carbon Neutral" and its rich cultural heritage, showcased in the exhibition 'Ladakh’s Pride', which features GI-tagged treasures like Seabuckthorn, Raktsey Karpal Apricots, wood carvings, and Pashmina wool. This initiative reflects Ladakh's unique position as India's youngest Union Territory with the oldest civilization and its continued efforts to blend tradition with modernity.
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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 14, 2024
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) introduced a new initiative called "Together in Travel" at its 2024 Global Summit in Perth, Australia. The initiative aims to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the global Travel & Tourism sector by providing essential tools and resources to help these businesses grow and have a stronger voice on the world stage.
The platform is free to subscribe to and offers access to various educational programs, networking opportunities, and valuable content. Starting next year, WTTC will offer a paid subscription with additional features to further assist SMEs in their development.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, highlighted the importance of SMEs in the industry, stating, "SMEs are a cornerstone of Travel & Tourism, with millions of small enterprises providing services to customers, creating innovative start-ups, and providing local knowledge to larger partners." She added that for the first time, SMEs can join a community to exchange ideas and resources to improve their businesses.
WTTC is predicting a record-breaking year for the travel and tourism industry in 2024, with the sector's global economic contribution expected to reach $11.1 trillion. Simpson also pointed out that up to 80% of the travel and tourism industry consists of SMEs, emphasizing the need for a system that can enhance their productivity and impact.
Matthew Upchurch, Vice Chair of Membership at WTTC and CEO of Virtuoso, said that the "Together in Travel" initiative marks a significant step forward in supporting SMEs. He emphasized the importance of building a more resilient and sustainable future for the travel industry, especially as it continues to recover from the effects of the global pandemic.
Ryan Mossny, Co-Founder of Matagarup Zip+Climb, shared his excitement about the initiative, saying, "As a small business, accessing the vital resources and industry connections needed to thrive in the travel sector can be challenging. WTTC’s new initiative has come at a perfect time; through tailored support, we will be able to directly tackle our problem areas head-on, allowing us not only to survive but to thrive in an increasingly competitive market."
For more information about the "Together in Travel" platform, visit their official website at www.togetherintravel.com or WTTC at www.wttc.org.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on October 13, 2024
Foreign airlines operating in India will no longer be liable to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) on services provided by their head offices to branch offices in the country, as per a government notification issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC). This decision, part of the recommendations made at the 54th GST Council meeting, will take effect starting October 10.
The exemption is subject to the condition that foreign airlines secure a certificate from the civil aviation ministry, confirming that their operations in India fall under the scope of a bilateral air services agreement. This move is expected to ease the tax burden on foreign airlines and streamline operations.
In addition to this, academic institutions that have received grants for research purposes will also be exempt from GST, further promoting research and development activities across the country.
The CBIC has rolled out several new GST-related updates, including measures aimed at reducing penalties for taxpayers. Individuals or businesses that comply by March 31, 2025, will be eligible for waivers on penalties and interest. This is particularly applicable to taxpayers facing demand orders under section 74(1) of the GST Act, as long as they have not filed an appeal.
The GST Council has also introduced a special rectification window for taxpayers to amend past input tax credit (ITC) discrepancies. This opportunity is designed to help taxpayers correct genuine mistakes made in the past, potentially resolving many pending litigations and reducing the burden on both taxpayers and the government.
Additionally, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has raised concerns over the excessive GST charges on air ticket cancellations and modifications. The association revealed that GST was incorrectly charged at 18% instead of the appropriate rates of 5% for economy class and 12% for business class, leading to an over-collection of taxes. They have urged airlines and relevant ministries to refund the excess GST that was wrongly collected.
Experts believe that the latest measures are a step towards encouraging voluntary compliance while resolving disputes outside the court system. By offering taxpayers a chance to correct their errors and reduce penalties, the government aims to streamline tax compliance and promote a more efficient system.
This series of notifications, especially the rectification of ITC mistakes, is expected to significantly reduce taxpayer grievances and litigation, creating a more taxpayer-friendly environment moving forward.
India’s tourism sector is witnessing a significant surge, with foreign tourist arrivals expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2025, according to the latest "How India Travels 2024 – The Inbound Edit" report by Booking.com. The report, conducted in collaboration with Accenture, highlights India's growing appeal, underscored by its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and competitive pricing, making it one of the top destinations in South Asia.
In 2023 alone, over 9 million foreign tourists visited India, driving foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism to USD 15.3 billion in the first half of 2024. This marked a 17.6% increase from the previous year and a 5.5% jump from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The surge in inbound tourism is not just boosting the economy but also creating substantial employment opportunities, with the potential to generate 58 million jobs by 2033.
The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and United Arab Emirates have emerged as top inbound markets, replacing traditional frontrunners like China and Canada. In 2024, new markets like Hong Kong, Australia, Italy, and the Netherlands also made their way into the top 10. While major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur continue to attract the lion's share of visitors, lesser-known destinations like Hampi, Leh, Patnitop, and Khajuraho have seen year-on-year growth double, as tourists increasingly seek out off-the-beaten-path experiences.
The influx of tourists has been fueled by the ease of online bookings and greater flexibility, with 52% of visitors opting for full travel packages and 40% booking individual components separately. Online platforms are playing a key role in offering personalized travel experiences, a growing trend among foreign tourists.
Despite the positive trajectory, challenges remain. Limited customization options (49%), a lack of seamless travel packages (51%), and an overwhelming amount of information (43%) were some of the barriers identified in the report. Addressing these issues will be crucial to maintaining momentum in the inbound travel market.
As part of World Tourism Day celebrations, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to bolster the industry, including the "Chalo India" campaign, which offers 1 lakh gratis visas to foreign tourists. The Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs have also been introduced to promote responsible tourism across 50 prominent destinations, fostering sustainability and empowering local communities.
Looking ahead, India’s inbound tourism is poised for further growth. The report emphasizes the need for simplified visa processes, expanded international flight routes, and continued promotion of India’s diverse travel offerings. With targeted investments in infrastructure and digital resources, India is set to cement its position as a premier global travel destination.
Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, stated, “Vision 2047 for Tourism is designed to position India as a leading global destination. Through technology and data analytics, we are committed to offering travelers unparalleled experiences, from wellness to adventure tourism.”
Santosh Kumar, Country Head at Booking.com, noted, “The surge in foreign tourist arrivals demonstrates India’s rising stature as a must-visit destination, offering authentic and immersive experiences that cater to a wide variety of traveler preferences.”
Anshul Gupta, Managing Director at Accenture, added, “India’s tourism industry is undergoing a technology-driven transformation. Leveraging AI and big data, the country is well-positioned to streamline travel operations and enhance visitor experiences, reinforcing its place on the global tourism map.”
With such strong indicators, the future of India’s inbound tourism looks brighter than ever, promising further economic growth and global recognition for the nation’s unparalleled travel experiences
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