25^th July 2024

To All Members,

Dear Friends,

Sub: IATO Press/Media Coverage on Union Budget - 2024-25

As you know, in the Union Budget announced on 23^rd July 2024, nothing is mentioned about tourism except promoting and developing Vishnupad Temple, Mahabodhi Temple Corridor and development of Rajgir and Nalanda.

None of the demands like a) Allocation of substantial funds to the Ministry for Marketing and Promotions, b) Financial support to the tour operators on their foreign exchange earnings by the Ministry of Commerce and c) Revival of Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) to the Tour Operators etc. have been considered except that Rs. 33 Crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Tourism for overseas promotion compared to Rs. 100 in last financial year.  

President IATO expressed its disappointment through the National Daily press and media and this has been widely covered by the National Dailies and travel trade media along with comments from other associations.

Links of such National Press and Travel Trade Media are given below for your reference.

Budget 2024: Tourism, Hospitality Sector Disappointed As Demands Remain 'Unaddressed' (ndtvprofit.com)

https://www.ndtvprofit.com/budget/budget-2024-tourism-hospitality-sector-disappointed-as-demands-remain-unaddressed

Forbes India-Budget 2024: Centre targets improving tourism in Bihar, Odisha

https://www.forbesindia.com/article/news/budget-2024-centre-targets-improving-tourism-in-bihar-odisha/93711/1

Live Mint- Tourism Ministry budget remains flat flat for second year in a row

https://www.livemint.com/budget/tourism-ministry-budget-remains-flat-for-second-year-in-a-row-lok-sabha-stock-market-nirmala-sitharaman-bihar-11721723326232.html

The Hindu: Live Budget reaction

https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/budget-2024-political-reactions-live-updates-july-23/article68434075.ece

The Economic Times- Tourism and hospitality industry disappointed with the budget

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/travel/tourism-and-hospitality-industry-disappointed-with-the-budget/articleshow/111955979.cms?from=mdr

Money Control: Special focus on spiritual destinations to drive domestic and in-bound tourism

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/travel/special-focus-on-spiritual-destinations-to-drive-domestic-and-inbound-tourism-says-travel-industry-12776373.html

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/budget/budget-2024-boosts-tourism-allocation-by-48-but-slashes-it-by-97-for-overseas-promotion-12173271.html

ET Travel : Industry voices disappointment over Budget 2024's impact on travel & hospitality ..

https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/people/industry-voices-disappointment-over-budget-2024s-impact-on-tourism-hospitality-sector/111983000

Why you're paying more for flying from these airports

https://www.livemint.com/companies/airport-user-fees-udf-increased-at-bengaluru-hyderabad-kochi-lucknow-airfares-ticket-prices/amp-11721812614211.html

 https://www.livemint.com/budget/tourism-ministry-budget-remains-flat-for-second-year-in-a-row-lok-sabha-stock-market-nirmala-sitharaman-bihar-11721723326232.html

 Travel Trends Today- Budget 2024: Industry challenges overlooked yet again; associations utterly disappointed

https://www.traveltrendstoday.in/budget-2024-industry-challenges-overlooked-yet-again-associations-utterly-disappointed/

BW Hotelier- Union Budget 2024-25: Hospitality industry reacts with varied sentiments

https://bwhotelier.com/article/union-budget-2024-25-hospitality-industry-reacts-with-varied-sentiments-527031

 BOTT India- #Budget2024 Reactions: Disappointment in the Travel & Tourism Sector

https://bottindia.com/budget2024-reactions-disappointment-in-the-travel-tourism-sector/

 Tourism India- Union Budget 2024: Tourism Industry Disappointed 

https://tourismindiaonline.com/union-budget-2024-tourism-industrys-disappointment-amidst-fms-emphasis-on-future-growth/ 

With regards,