Shimla – Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has assured the hoteliers of the state that the government will reduce Special Road Tax (SRT) and other taxes on tourist buses, tempo travelers, and commercial tourist vehicles. The government is considering revising the recent notification related to SRT.
He made these announcements after the delegation of Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association met with him at Oak Over to address concerns about the adverse effects of a new tax imposed on tempo travelers and tourist buses coming from other states.
He said government is working on setting up a tourist helpline, connecting it with the existing 1100 helpline number, and is considering a Home-Stay policy for the convenience of tourists.
The efforts are underway to strengthen the state's road infrastructure and connect all districts with heliports.
Another Heliport in Shimla is being considered to attract more tourists and enhance tourism activities, with a goal of increasing annual tourist footfall to 5 crore in the state, he said.
Tourist destinations will be equipped with world-class facilities, and UV/ultra-filtration technology will be phased in to provide pure drinking water to tourists and residents.
Sukhu urged stakeholders in the tourism industry to actively participate in efforts to make Himachal Pradesh "a green and a clean state." Various demands were presented by the Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association during the meeting.
President of the association, Mohinder K. Seth, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his swift response to their submissions.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the detrimental impact of the tax on tourism, saying that tax was exorbitant.
Additionally, various other issues plaguing the tourism industry in Himachal were brought to notice of the CM.
The delegation stressed the urgent need for steps to revive and sustain the tourism sector in Himachal. Furthermore, they informed the Chief Minister about their plan to organize a tourism stakeholders' interaction in Shimla during the first week of November.
The primary objectives of this meeting would be to extend tourists' stays in Himachal, enhance tourism infrastructure at each destination, boost employment opportunities in the tourism sector, create a more tourism-friendly atmosphere, and suggest ways to increase government revenue from the tourism industry.
In a collaborative effort, the association intends to invite the presidents of all hotel associations to offer their valuable insights during the meeting.
The delegation has already prepared a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation addressing these concerns.
