INDIA (eTN) – India’s Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, has emphasized the role of tourism in creating jobs for the country. Calling it a low-hanging fruit, he said with a little planning, India can take greater advantage from the benefits of tourism.
The Minister was speaking at a conference of tourism ministers in Delhi on August 21, where he asked the states to reduce taxes on tourism and aviation fuel so that more benefits could be gained from this segment for the country.
Jaitley’s remark on rapes and its impact on tourism raised a controversy and has been separately reported by eTN.
Tourism Minister Shripad Naik said that from next year, the conference will be held for two days to enable greater interaction and participation of the states and other stakeholders. He added that the Prime Minister was giving much focus on tourism, which is part of the five thrust areas.
To give greater emphasis to cleanliness from next year, new awards will be introduced during the National Tourism Awards. Skill development and promotion of circuits will also be given attention, and niche products and sustainable tourism criteria will also be developed.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- The Minister was speaking at a conference of tourism ministers in Delhi on August 21, where he asked the states to reduce taxes on tourism and aviation fuel so that more benefits could be gained from this segment for the country.
- Tourism Minister Shripad Naik said that from next year, the conference will be held for two days to enable greater interaction and participation of the states and other stakeholders.
- Calling it a low-hanging fruit, he said with a little planning, India can take greater advantage from the benefits of tourism.
