Press Release – ELECTRICITY TARIFF FOR TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR ON INDUSTRY RATES

• As per the budget announcement, by the Energy Department revises electricity tariff for tourism and hospitality sector
• Euphoria among the tourism industry

ELECTRICITY TARIFF FOR TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR ON INDUSTRY RATES

Jaipur, 25 March: There is elation among the tourism and hospitality sector, as the Department of Energy, through the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission, has revised the electricity tariff for the tourism and hospitality sector in Rajasthan. The order released on Thursday (24 March 2022) by the Energy Department states: “The State Government had reviewed the decision and was decided to be considered that tourism and hospitality sector as an industry sector”. The charges as per the applicable tariff of the industry sector will now be payable by the tourism and hospitality units instead of the present rate of non-domestic tariff.

It is to be recalled that the State Government had announced this respite to the tourism sector in its budget on 23 February. This demand by the sector had been pending since 1989, when the announcement to provide the industry status had been made; however, the decision to implement had not been taken.

Similarly, in a notification issued by this year, the Finance Department (Tax Division) on 23 February, the Government has announced its decision to reduce stamp duty chargeable on the instrument of sale or lease of heritage property in the State by 75 per cent. This will be done  on submission of certificate or approval issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India or the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan.

The President, Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), Mr Apurv Kumar said that these two decisions amply show the intent and earnestness of the State Government to give a boost to the tourism and hospitality sector. He profusely expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister, Mr. Ashok Gehlot and the State Government for these landmark decisions. The other member organisations of FHTR, like Indian Heritage Hotels Associations (IHHA), Hotel & Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO), etc. have also expressed that gratitude to the Rajasthan Chief Minister for these decisions. These will give a big boost to the industry, they said.