While sharing his views on the proposed Union Budget 2022-23 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Former Sr. Vice President of Indian Association Of Tour Operators (IATO) and Joint Managing Director of Creative Travel, Rajeev Kohli says, “To say one is disappointed at today’s budget is a gross understatement, horrified if more like it. It is clear that the value of tourism in the eyes of this government is even lower than that of umbrellas, which got its own special mention.”
“The extension of the EGCL is a paper whitewash. Only those with existing debt could use the scheme to begin with. And to make the industry take debt on debt is cruel. It does not reduce the cost as the interest clock is still clicking,” explains Kohli.
According to him, “The Modi Government has yet again kicked an industry that is already on its knees. I am saddened for all of us in the larger tourism and hospitality space. So many people tried their best to get something for us. So many representations were made. But the truth is we simply don’t matter.”
Disappointed by the Government, Kohli feels that it’s time for the associations and its members to think out-of-the-box in order to revival of the crisis ridden industry. He opines that our industry associations now do some deep introspection.
“We need to change gears and start thinking differently. Its all well and good to console ourselves for trying. But the fact of the matter is that our strategies & approach to the government just don’t work. Never have, and unlikely ever will,” concludes Kohli.
