Panaji: Projecting that the Covid19 virus will cost the state tourism industry approximately Rs 1,000 crore and sea of job losses, the apex body representing the travel and tourism industry in the coastal state has demanded several tax reliefs which will help them salvage from the crisis.
Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) held its meeting on Thursday to review the situation in the wake of stringent curbs imposed by state government to arrest spread of Covid19.
“ The Covid 19 virus will cost the state Tourism Industry Approximately Rs1000 cr in loss. This will result in severe job losses to about 60,000 to 75,000 people unless remedial measures are taken,” TTAG has said in a statement issued.
The Chartered Flight season has ended abruptly since last week after visas for foreigners were discontinued by Indian government.
The TTAG has demanded that asix to nine months’ moratorium on all principle (EMI) and interest payments on loans and overdrafts be given by the financial institutions.
“Sanctioned loans should be disbursed and there be free flow of sanctioned credit to enable firms to meet their liquidity crisis,” the body has demanded.
The industry body also demanded usage of the MNREGA funds to support salaries of employees in the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality industry till the time revival happens.
TTAG has also said that the electricity department should bill as per actual consumption(HT consumers) and not on minimum monthly levy as per connected (Kw) load of consumer/establishment(as normally done).
Also payments should be allowed to be deferred for six months, it added.
TTAG has said that those establishments which are forced to close down on account of lack of business should be given funds from Provident Fund subsidise the payment of salaries to the personnel of such establishments.
“To enable establishments to liquidate their assets, stamp duty should be reduced and the registration fees should be capped,” TTAG has said.
The tourism stakeholders also said that to enable the industry to recover after the re-opening of the businesses, GST should be reduced by at least 50 percent to enable the industry to recover and get back on its feet.
