India's Madhya Pradesh to give luxury coaches concession in tourism

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India's Madhya Pradesh to give luxury coaches concession in tourism

BHOPAL- The central state Madhya Pradesh government would give hundred per cent exemption in luxury tax to coaches operating in the tourist circuit of the state.

Apart from this, in tourist hotels, luxury tax will be payable on actual rent after deduction of the concession provided to tourists instead of fixed rent, an official statement quoting tourism minister, Ajay Singh said. The minister said the cabinet sub-committee on tourism has decided that instead of attracting tourists to all the tourist places, greater attention should be paid to wildlife and heritage sites.

Singh said despite being declared as an international heritage site, Khajuraho has not been properly connected by rail, road or air.

An international airport has not been set up at Khajuraho despite repeated requests to the centre, he said, adding that most of the roads being constructed in Madhya Pradesh under Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) are in tourist areas.

The minister said Rs 450 million (US $9.5 million) has been provided for tourism development and Rs 160 million for maintenance of heritage sites for the next three years by the 11th finance commission.

A budgetary provision of Rs 220 million has been made this year for development of tourism in Madhya Pradesh, Singh said and added that the Madhya Pradesh Heritage Trust will work for development of Mandu, Orchha, Khajuraho, Omkareshwar and Maheshwar.

A new eco and adventure tourism policy has been formulated in the state, he added.

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