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Key Points

The Indian Heritage Hotels Association is pushing for GST exemption for foreign tourists to make India more competitive. This move is seen as a way to counter the foreign exchange deficit caused by US tariffs. The upcoming convention in Jaipur will focus on infusing youthful energy into heritage tourism. It also aims to strengthen strategies for promoting India's heritage hotels globally.

Key Points: Indian Heritage Hotels Demand GST Exemption for Foreign Tourists

  • IHHA seeks GST exemption to enhance India's global tourism competitiveness
  • Proposal aims to offset foreign exchange deficit from US tariff issues
  • Nearly 150 heritage hoteliers to discuss strategies at Jaipur convention
  • Focus on reviving dying arts, crafts, and promoting rural tourism
3 min read

Indian Heritage Hotels Association demands GST exemption for foreign tourists

IHHA seeks GST relief for foreign tourists to compete with Southeast Asia and Israel, boost foreign exchange, and promote heritage tourism sustainability.

"This measure would help India compete more effectively with destinations such as Southeast Asia and Israel - Captain Gaj Singh Alsisar, IHHA Secretary General"

Jaipur, Sep 3

The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) has submitted a memorandum to Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking GST exemption for foreign tourists.

According to IHHA Secretary General Captain Gaj Singh Alsisar, this measure would help India compete more effectively with destinations such as Southeast Asia and Israel, while also offsetting the foreign exchange deficit caused by ongoing US tariff issues.

He made these remarks on Tuesday during a press conference at Alsisar Haveli, ahead of the 12th IHHA Annual Convention and 24th Annual General Meeting.

The convention will take place at Castle Kanota in Jaipur on September 6 and 7, with nearly 150 heritage hoteliers from across India expected to participate.

Of the 206 heritage hotels in the country, almost 140 are located in Rajasthan.

This year's convention will be held under the theme 'Romantic Heritage', reflecting how heritage properties embody romance through their music, cuisine, architecture, and equestrian traditions.

Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari will inaugurate the exhibition on September 6 by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

The inaugural session will feature a talk on Revival of Heritage Architecture by Sanjeev Vidyarthi, followed by the screening of a documentary on Rajasthan's folk music by Abhimanyu Singh Alsisar.

A dialogue on Hotel Operations by Veer Vijay Singh Dundlod and a presentation by Solar Edge Technologies will also be part of the day's programme.

Later in the day, Union Minister Shekhawat will attend the IHHA Executive Committee meeting.

This exclusive session for committee members will be followed by a walk through General Amar Singh's Library and Museum, along with the screening of a documentary on General Amar Singh at Mardana Bagh.

On September 7, the IHHA will hold its 24th Annual General Meeting, during which elections will also be conducted.

The day will feature a panel discussion on the future of tourism with Rajasthan's eminent representatives.

Further panel discussions will explore reviving the dying art and craft as well as horse safari and rural tourism.

The convention will conclude with a vote of thanks from IHHA Joint Secretary Prithvi Singh Kanota.

The IHHA emphasised that its objective is to infuse youthful energy into heritage tourism, inspire the next generation to take up leadership roles, and strengthen strategies to promote India's heritage hotels both domestically and internationally.

IHHA leaders reiterated that heritage tourism not only sustains cultural traditions but also ensures sustainable development by engaging local communities and promoting responsible tourism.

Future initiatives will focus on deeper government collaborations, empowering rural communities, and positioning India as a leading global heritage tourism destination.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Why only for foreign tourists? Indian tourists also contribute significantly to heritage tourism. The government should consider making heritage stays more affordable for domestic travelers too.
A
Arjun K
As someone from Rajasthan, I've seen how heritage hotels preserve our culture and provide employment. This GST exemption could bring more foreign exchange and help local artisans. Good initiative!
D
David E
Visited Jaipur last year and stayed at a heritage property. The experience was magical but expensive. GST exemption would definitely encourage more international visitors to choose these authentic experiences.
S
Sneha F
Hope the government considers this seriously. Our heritage properties are not just hotels - they're living museums that preserve our history and traditions. They deserve special status! ✨
V
Vikram M
While I support heritage tourism, the government should ensure that any tax benefits actually reach the tourists and aren't just absorbed by hoteliers as extra profit. Proper monitoring mechanism needed.
K
Karthik V
Great to see focus on rural tourism and local communities. Heritage hotels can be catalysts for regional development. This could be a game-changer for many small towns across Rajasthan and India.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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