Will tax breaks for foreigners help revive India’s heritage tourism sector?

Jaipur: The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) has submitted a formal request to Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, seeking Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemption for foreign tourists. The association believes this move will help India stay competitive with global tourism hotspots such as Southeast Asia and Israel, while also mitigating the effects of foreign exchange deficits arising from recent US tariff challenges.

Speaking at a press conference held at Alsisar Haveli in Jaipur, IHHA Secretary General Captain Gaj Singh Alsisar stressed that the proposed tax exemption could boost India's appeal among international travellers. The remarks came ahead of the 12th IHHA Annual Convention and the 24th Annual General Meeting, both scheduled to take place on September 6 and 7 at Castle Kanota in Jaipur.

What’s the focus of this year’s heritage hotels convention?

The upcoming convention, themed "Romantic Heritage," will showcase how heritage hotels celebrate India’s rich cultural traditions through music, architecture, cuisine, and equestrian heritage. Nearly 150 heritage hoteliers from across the country are expected to attend the two-day event. Of India’s 206 registered heritage hotels, approximately 140 are located in Rajasthan alone, underscoring the state's prominent role in the sector.

Who will inaugurate the event and what’s on the agenda?

The convention will be inaugurated by Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Diya Kumari, who will light the ceremonial lamp on September 6. The inaugural session will include a keynote on "Revival of Heritage Architecture" by Sanjeev Vidyarthi, followed by a documentary screening on Rajasthan's folk music directed by Abhimanyu Singh Alsisar.

The first day’s program also includes a session on hotel operations by Veer Vijay Singh Dundlod and a presentation by Solar Edge Technologies. Later in the day, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend a closed-door meeting with the IHHA Executive Committee. Committee members will then take part in a curated tour of General Amar Singh’s Library and Museum, ending with a special documentary screening at Mardana Bagh.

On September 7, the IHHA will hold its 24th Annual General Meeting, during which elections will also be conducted.

The day will feature a panel discussion on the future of tourism with Rajasthan's eminent representatives.

Further panel discussions will explore reviving the dying art and craft as well as horse safari and rural tourism.

The convention will conclude with a vote of thanks from IHHA Joint Secretary Prithvi Singh Kanota.

What are IHHA’s broader goals for heritage tourism?

The IHHA emphasised that its objective is to infuse youthful energy into heritage tourism, inspire the next generation to take up leadership roles, and strengthen strategies to promote India's heritage hotels both domestically and internationally.

IHHA leaders reiterated that heritage tourism not only sustains cultural traditions but also ensures sustainable development by engaging local communities and promoting responsible tourism.

Future initiatives will focus on deeper government collaborations, empowering rural communities, and positioning India as a leading global heritage tourism destination.

IANS