11th April 2019

To All Members,

Sub: Exemption of Tourist Vehicles from election duty for the members of IATO and ITTA

Dear Colleagues,

As you are aware, Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held all over the country in a phased manner from 11th April to 19th May 2019.

Keeping in mind the apprehensions of our members who owns tourist vehicles that they may be asked by the State Government to provide their vehicles for the election duties, we have written below letter to the Chief Election Commissioner of India to exempt tourist vehicles from election duties as they need to provide un-disruptive services to their foreign clients. Also we have written to Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Government and District Magistrate, Agra.

Above is for your information please.

With regards,

Pronab Sarkar

President

8th April 2019   

Mr. Sunil Arora

Chief Election Commissioner

Govt. of India

Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road,

New Delhi 110001

Dear Sir,

Sub: Exemption of vehicles from election duty for the members of IATO and ITTA

Greetings from IATO !

This is to apprise you, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is India's National Apex Body of Tour Operators with membership of over 1600 across the country. Our membership consists of the nation’s inbound tour operators, travel agents, hotel chains, airlines and other stake holders in the tourism & hospitality industry. The Membership of IATO controls over 90% of all inbound tourism into India. All our members who are engaged in the inbound tourism business, are facilitating travel arrangements in India for our distinguished foreign visitors by providing them all the services including transport. 

Sir, as you are aware the travel program of foreign guests are booked months in advance and all their flights and hotels are prepaid accordingly.  We as tour operators are committed legally to provide them transport as per itinerary and conduct smooth travel during our upcoming Parliament Elections which have been announced now.

Many of our members have received notices to surrender all their vehicles  i.e.  Cars / Tempos / AC deluxe Coaches etc. for the election duties from 15th April onwards where as these vehicles are already committed to provide services to foreign guests as per their program.

In the past also all the vehicles of our members were exempted from election duty as it is not feasible to regret to foreign guests to spoil their prefixed tour program who bring not only  valuable foreign exchange to our country but generate jobs and it shall impact on the goodwill of India as a tourist destination if the foreign guests face any inconvenience.

In the spirit of "Athithi Devo Bhava " we request to kindly exempt vehicles of our members who are pre-booked for such tour arrangements and oblige.

Thanking You, & with best regards

Yours Sincerely,

Pronab Sarkar

President

(M) 981 110 2111