Port Blair, Dec 08: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) today said that after implementation of GST in Andaman and Nicobar Islands the tourists are facing maximum problem as overall burden of GST on tourists visiting Andaman is near about 48 to 65 percent.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, the President of AATO today said that since the tourism sector is in a collapsing stage due to the implementation of GST and the lives of One lakh youths and family are in dilemma.
He said that North eastern states are completely exempted from GST considering the remoteness of places through these states have road connectivity.
These islands are concerned, it is completely cut off faraway from mainland India about 2000 km. The only connectivity is by Air and Ship.
“We also request you to consider Tourism Industry in Composition scheme as in Andaman this is the only industry and also the largest employment generator after the Andaman administration. This will definitely help all tourism stake holders which include tour operators, and people involved into other tourism activities. It is our humble request to exempt GST from these islands at par with north eastern states. Considering extreme remoteness further that, exemption of GST from these islands is not possible, a separate mechanism may please be introduced to limit the GST with 5% which may not be a major impact on tourism sector,” he said.
According to AATO Mr. Vinod said that presently a tourist is paying The total package cost of a person 5% GST; GST on room tariff of hotel (12%,18%.or28%); GST on cruise 18%; GST on boats 18%; GST on vehicle 5% and If guest take food from hotel 5%. “Therefore Overall burden on a tourist is an average of 48 to 65%,” he claimed.
Regarding PMB he said that the port management board has started charging Rs 50/- and Rs 20/- per port from every tourist which comes around Rs 200/- as an extra burden for every tourist and as all the tour operators have already quoted their rates, to the guest, this additional charges will bring a bad reputation to the tourism industry.
“We would like to inform you that PMB is Charging passenger service fee without providing any service to the passengers. We kindly request you sir, to reconsider the decision of charging of passenger service fee by PMB,” he wrote in his letter.
In Forest Sector Mr. Vinod demanded Single Window system for all passes, relaxation in Submission of Identity Card of all guest and operating of Tourist Spots on All Days:- Your Excellency, we request your good self to direct the concerned authorities to open all Tourist spots under forest department namely Jolly Bouy at Wandoor, Limestone cave at Baratang and Ross & Smith Island at Diglipur and all other Museums of our Islands. On all working days for Visiting Tourists.
Other than this Mr. M Vinod highlighted other serious issues related to loopholes in advance ticket reservation system, shortage of boat, Increase in rate of various boats plying in these islands, Plying of Boats from Havelock to Neil Island, review of quota system, Negative Impact on Closure of Bars in Hotels/ Resorts, Relaxation of CRZ regulation for these Islands, E – Visa Facility at Port Blair Seaport & Airport, Lack of Coordination between Administration and Stakeholders etc.
He added that these problems will definitely be major obstacles for development of tourism in our islands and also will bring negative publicity for Andaman Tourism.
at JIRKATANG check post ECO TOURISM SPOT “JAHAJI BEACH RUT LAND” is advertised. At forest permit counter in IP&T office the Forrest staff had no idea of it. On meeting with WILDLIFE staff at VAN SADAN they guided to meet WILD LIFE officers at CHATAM MILL on meeting him he said it is not a tourist spot no one is allowed to enter the area. on asking him this add give wrong info to tourist and operator. and directed me to WILDLIFE OFFICER for permits and asked ME to inform him about this. at MINI Zoo.the officer did not meet me but informed over phone to his staff that no kind of permit is given to any one and on one is allowed to go there.. both officer don’t know who printed & pasted it as JIRKATANG does not come under there work area on asking the staff at mini zoo who will remove wrong tourist information. I was told to inform about this to the wildlife officer at CHATAM. Still puzzle unsolved. I came from where i started. (to my Home)