Tourism, hospitality sectors uncared for in funds, says journey federation

The travel industry, disappointed after the budget announcement on Feb. 1, said the government had completely neglected the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, which are in dire need of a boost to revive.

Tourism has been one of the hardest hit industries due to the Covid-19 pandemic that led to the lockdown. The industry continues to struggle as international borders remain closed and domestic travel does not yet benefit the loss-making travel companies. Apart from that, many travel companies had to close their business in the past year.

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Subhash Goyal, general secretary of the Federation of Tourism and Hospitality Associations (FAITH), said the budget is a good opportunity for the government to revitalize the tourism industry and save around 30,000 to 40,000 jobs that are threatened with extinction. According to Goyal, 75 million people are directly and indirectly employed in the tourism industry.

However, Goyal added, “There are some good things (on budget) that can indirectly help the tourism industry, like more coaches and trains on the railways. Rs 35,000 for vaccines and medical infrastructure will indirectly boost medical tourism. 15,700 rupees for the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) can also indirectly help some small operators. ”

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) said the budget had been more focused on spending to enable economic growth through infrastructure roads and financial remedies.

“It is inappropriate for the Treasury Secretary to completely ignore travel, tourism and the hospitality industry during the budget,” said Jay Bhatia, vice president of TAAI.

Bhatia added that TAAI has proposed benefits for individual workers under a provision that cares about workers’ welfare, social security, health, safety, family, etc.

“We are pleased at first sight that with the introduction of the four labor laws, social security benefits will be extended to gig and platform workers for the first time worldwide. The minimum wage applies to all categories of workers and is covered by the state insurance company for workers. Women are allowed to work in all categories, including the night shift, with appropriate protection. ”