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GENERAL ELECTIONS
TRAVELBIZ MONITOR FEBRUARY, 2024 19
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Industry Reactions

Aashish Gupta, Consulting CEO, emphasis on clean energy, technology and digital infrastructure
FAITH will make India a world leader. This is India’s moment and this
It is hoped that the actual budget budget is part of a continuous process of making policy that will
in July will take forward the provide massive opportunities for India and Indians.
statement of intent announced
in the interim budget—such as Nishant Pitti, CEO & Co-Founder,
international promotion, developing EaseMyTrip
iconic destinations in partnership The Budget prominently highlights
with states through an incentive-based a substantial emphasis on the
system, further focus on domestic tourism tourism, aviation, and railways
and recognition of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and sectors. It’s truly exciting to observe
exhibitions) tourism capabilities of India further to the G20 Summit the government’s keen attention
in India, and also continuing focus on new airports and Vande to nurturing and expanding both
Bharat trains and high traffic highways. domestic and spiritual tourism and
highlighting Bharat’s strength through
Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI global events like G20.
We are happy that the FM spoke about The dedicated efforts towards developing aviation and rail
Viksit Bharat and has encouraged infrastructure, especially through the commendable initiatives
other industries, but totally of UDAN and the PM Gati Shakti scheme, encouraging States
ignored the travel agent and tour to promote iconic tourists’ centers by providing interest-free
operators who are the catalyst in loans are noteworthy with a special focus on developing island
developments, enhancement and tourism and fortifying port connectivity, including Lakshadweep.
promotion of tourism, be it domestic, These measures are anticipated to spur economic growth, create
inbound, inland as well as outbound employment, and create new opportunities, marking a progressive
tourism. We also acknowledge that the move towards positioning India as a global destination.
Government has placed MiCE, especially Business and Conference
Tourism as a prime focus area, but the same is not possible Chirag Agrawal, Co-Founder, TravClan
without appropriate infrastructure, which shall take a few years to Tourism cannot grow without
develop. Overall we feel that once again the Travel Trade has been investment. We welcome the
ignored. government’s initiatives on
developing iconic tourist centers and
PP Khanna, President, ADTOI investing in tourism and connectivity
The Interim Budget is pro-domestic infrastructure. Measures such as
tourism. If a country takes care of long-term loans to states will foster
domestic tourism in all respects it long-term development and unlock
will automatically bring international India’s tourism potential. We hope for more
tourism to its door-step as well. measures from the government that continue to build our air
Spiritual tourism is going to surge. infrastructure and hospitality sector. This development will not
Plans to expand the existing airports just invite the world to explore our heritage but also ignite local
and develop new ones will facilitate economies and our pride!
people to travel across the country seamless.
Long term interest-rate loans will be provided to states for Sandeep Arora, Director,
financing these development projects on matching basis. This is Brightsun Travel
to address the emerging fervour for domestic tourism The Budget puts a strong emphasis
on domestic tourism, and we
Ajay Singh, CMD SpiceJet and truly applaud this move. The
President, ASSOCHAM commitment to providing interest-
It is an India first budget. A confident free loans to states for enhancing
budget of a confident government tourism within their borders is a
that focuses on the objective of positive step to boost domestic tourism
ensuring that India becomes a 5 in the country. There are many offbeat
trillion-dollar economy by 2025, and a destinations within India that are unique and one of a kind,
developed nation by 2047. I commend so government’s pledge for the comprehensive development
the FM for her unwavering commitment of tourist centers, with a focus on branding and global-scale
to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka marketing, is another welcome move. This will undoubtedly
Vishwas. I commend especially the increase in infrastructure pave the way for transformative growth in the travel and tourism
spending that will have a multiplier effect on our economy. I sector, enabling us to showcase the incredible diversity and
commend the evident railway corridors, and the 1 lakh crore richness of our nation to the world.
fund for research and development and the start-up sector. The disha.shah@saffronsynergies.in

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