Indian Heritage Hotels Association demands GST exemption for foreign tourists
The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) has urged the government to consider granting GST exemption for foreign tourists visiting India. This move aims to make India more attractive compared to popular travel destinations like Southeast Asia and Israel. IHHA believes that relaxing the GST tax could boost tourism and help offset the foreign exchange shortfall caused by ongoing US tariff issues.
Captain Gaj Singh Alsisar, IHHA Secretary General, shared this idea during a press conference held at Alsisar Haveli in Jaipur. The statement came ahead of the upcoming 12th IHHA Annual Convention and 24th Annual General Meeting, scheduled for September 6 and 7 at Castle Kanota in Jaipur. Nearly 150 heritage hoteliers from across India are expected to attend this important event.
India has around 206 heritage hotels, with Rajasthan hosting about 140 of these unique properties. The theme for this year’s convention is “Romantic Heritage,” highlighting how Rajasthan’s heritage hotels celebrate romance through music, food, stunning architecture, and equestrian traditions.
Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari will inaugurate the event on September 6 by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The opening session will include a talk on “Revival of Heritage Architecture” by Sanjeev Vidyarthi, along with a showcase of Rajasthan’s rich folk music culture through a documentary by Abhimanyu Singh Alsisar.
Throughout the day, there will be discussions on hotel operations, innovations in tourism with Solar Edge Technologies, and a special meeting of the IHHA Executive Committee attended by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Participants will also get a chance to explore General Amar Singh’s Library and Museum, along with a documentary on the hero himself at Mardana Bagh.
On September 7, the convention will wrap up with the IHHA’s 24th Annual General Meeting, where elections will be held. The day will also feature panels on the future of tourism, including preserving traditional crafts, promoting horse safaris, and boosting rural tourism – all aimed at revitalizing India’s heritage tourism sector.
The event will conclude with a closing speech by IHHA Joint Secretary Prithvi Singh Kanota.
IHHA leaders stressed that promoting heritage tourism is vital for preserving India’s rich cultural traditions and supporting sustainable development. They aim to inspire young entrepreneurs to lead the way and to strengthen partnerships with the government. Future efforts will focus on empowering rural communities, encouraging responsible tourism, and positioning India as a top global destination for heritage travel.
