The interim budget presented today in India Parliament has elicited mixed reaction from industry leaders with the focus being on seeing how the proposals will be implemented.
Rajendera Kumar, industry stalwart and past Chief of the Hotel Federation, regretted that there was nothing for the hospitality industry yet again in the budget.
Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director of the Bird Group, said the budget was forward-looking and progressive but much will depend on the implementation of the promises made.
Peter Kerkar, Group CEO of Cox and King, felt that tourism can be a beneficiary off the tax exemptions and new areas and the northeast could get a boost.
Ritesh Agarwal, Founder of OYO hotels, said that it was a budget for New India and hoped the skill gap could be filled.
Mahesh Iyer, CEO of Thomas Cook, felt tourist spending will increase and new tier 11 and tier 3 destinations may come up.
Neelu Singh, CEO of Ezeego 1, felt that increased spending on infrastructure, roads, railways, and airports will boost travel.
