Depending on where she’s landing, your friend or relative may find it easier to deal with the paperwork for travel to India next time. Budget 2014 has given the tourism industry a boost with the facility of electronic travel authorisation (e-visa), to be launched in phases at nine airports across the country. Besides, Indian tour operators’ services for foreign tourists in relation to a tour wholly conducted outside India are being taken out of the tax net.
The Government has also accepted the long-standing demand to allow Cenvat credit for rent-a-cab and tour operator services.
Peter Kerkar, Director, Cox & Kings, said, “The introduction of e-visas to be started in nine airports will definitely lead to an increase in FTA (foreign tourist arrivals), thus increasing the foreign exchange earnings (FEEs). The Government’s emphasis on travel and tourism in this year’s budget was on expected lines as this government has shown an intent and the willingness to use travel and tourism to promote inclusive growth as this sector contributes approximately seven per cent of India’s GDP and helped create over 40 million jobs last year.’’
Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & CEO-India, MakeMyTrip, said, “The development of new airports in Tier I and Tier II cities through public-private partnership models is a positive step. This will promote air travel among a large number of Indians and will enhance leisure and business travel within and outside the country. The introduction of e-visa facilities at nine airports will facilitate visa on arrival and will provide the tourism sector a much-needed boost.’’
Vikram Malhi, Managing Director, Asia, Expedia, said, “The government, besides building a strong pipeline of domestic tourists, has also looked at measures to increase the inflow of foreign exchange through inbound tourism by focusing on infrastructural development, increased connectivity and additional tourist circuit development. The announcement of e-visas at nine airports will also help in expanding the footprint of the foreign tourist beyond the key metros while facilitating an easy visa procuring process.”