Lok Sabha Question No. 3807 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Strengthening of Digital Initiatives for Hospitality Industry
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3807 ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## STRENGTHENING OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES FOR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

## 3807. DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a)   the details of the measures taken/being taken to strengthen digital initiatives  such  as  National  Integrated  Database  of  Hospitality Industry (NIDHI) and the multilingual tourist helpline for improving service delivery and transparency;
- (b)   whether the Government has taken any concrete steps for granting 'industry  status'  to  tourism  and  hospitality  sector  and  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- (c)   the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to eVisa  expansion  and  GST  relaxation  to  enhance  tourist  flows  and competitiveness relative to other destinations?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM      (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a): With  a  view  to  bring  in  more  transparency,  accountability  and improved service delivery, the Ministry of Tourism introduced an online system of receiving, processing and conveying/ granting approvals for classification  of  Accommodation  Units  and  recognition  of  Tourism Service  Providers.  Applications  can  be  filed  at  the  portal  of  National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI+), i.e. nidhi.tourism.gov.in.  This online process has also been integrated with a payment gateway.

As a part of the Ministry's continuous endeavours to make travel for tourists safe and secure, the Ministry of Tourism has set up a 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline on the toll free number 1800111363 or on a short code 1363, which is now available in 12 Languages including 10

international  languages  for  domestic  and  foreign  tourists  to  provide support service in term of information relating to Travel in India and to offer appropriate guidance to tourists in distress, while travelling within India.

(b): Yes.  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  launched  a  Handbook  on  Industry Status to the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in September, 2024. This has been circulated to the State Governments/UT Administrations for adapting into their industry/tourism policy.

(c): e-Visa scheme is now available to the nationals of 175 countries valid for entry through 33 designated airports, 19 designated seaports and 4 land ports.

The  Government  introduced  a  simplified  GST  structure  with significant rate reductions across key sectors of trade and commerce, including  the  hospitality  sector,  with  effect  from  22.09.2025.  The implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms are set to transform India's tourism sector, making travel more affordable and accessible for both domestic and international tourists.

The  highlights  of  the  GST  reforms  affecting  the  tourism  and hospitality sector are listed as follows:

- (i)   The  GST  on  hotel  rooms  priced  below ₹ 7,500  per  day  has  been reduced from 12% to 5% without Input Tax Credit (ITC).
- (ii)  GST on buses with a seating capacity of over 10 persons has been cut from 28% to 18%.
- (iii)  GST on art and cultural goods has been lowered from 12% to 5%, providing direct support to artisans and sculptors.
- (iv)   Consumer durables, Food and related items: Most of the food and related consumables are now having reduced GST at 5 percent or some have nil GST. Similarly, many items used in hospitality such as TVs, refrigerators, ACs etc. are having reduced GST positively impacting the sector with reduced cost of operations and capital expenditure.

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