The Indian tourism ministry is contemplating to set up Special Tourism Zones on the same lines of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). A proposal of STZs has been passed in the recent meeting of National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC) presided over by union tourism and culture minister Ambika Soni. Now it will be placed before the planning commission for its recommendation.
The STZs are proposed to be established in collaboration with private sector on major tourist destinations, famous cities and on seashores of the nation. Each STZ will consist 2,000-3,000 hotel rooms equipped with every modern amenities. According to the industry sources, state governments would be required to create the zones thereafter they would be leased to the private sector.
The sub-committee of the council demands that the zones should be 100 percent tax-free for the next 10 years and exempt from import duty on various grounds.
Indian tourism sector is currently facing the scarcity of about 1.5 lakh hotel rooms in the country. The new plan of tourism ministry is a good attempt to tackle the problem. But, as per the plan, the proposal is centralized to the famous destinations. The less celebrated destinations were not encircled under the scheme, which also need to be addressed.
Via: Newkerala
