IATO writes to PM for announcement of SEIS benefits for 2019-20

New Delhi, Oct 27: The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) benefits for 2019-20 at the earliest.
All our members are reeling under the financial stress as it has become difficult for them to manage anymore and survive without any earnings in the past 7 months, IATO said in a letter to the PM.
“For 2019-20, SEIS has not been announced by the government during this difficult time, whereas our members have already spent the funds for marketing, promotions to compete with our neighbouring countries, anticipating that SEIS will be given to tour operators,” IATO President Pronab Sarkar said.
Without the support of SEIS benefits, tour operators shall not be able to perform and compete with their neighbouring countries and attract more foreign tourists to India, he added.
“May we, therefore, request your good office that our following request may kindly be considered on priority to help the tourism industry — To announce the SEIS scrips for 2019-20 at the earliest, and to increase SEIS scrips percentage from seven per cent to 10 per cent for the tour operators/travel agents,” the letter said.
SEIS benefits are being given to the tourism industry based on their foreign exchange earnings under the Foreign Trade Policy. (PTI)