Published on: Dec 22, 2023 at 19:32
Reporter: Aniruddha Pal
SPT News, Kolkata, 22 December:TAFI (Travel Agents Federation of India) organizes very valuable sessions for travel agents. GST-TCS and visa updates were discussed there. The experts gave their valuable advice to the travel agents on these two issues. In addition to the members, representatives from various fields from the airline companies were present in this meeting of TAFI at Flotel in Kolkata. The special attraction of the event was the ‘Cake Mixing’ event.
Anil Punjabi, National Committee Member of TAFI
“Three important sessions were held today”
“Today was our monthly meeting. There were two important issues – one, GST and TCS and two, TAFI’s Mumbai office recommended that we have a chartered account with Arjun Akruala. He has been invited. How to book daily air tickets for travel agents there, how much tax is charged. The second one was the visa. Get updates on visas required to travel abroad. What’s New – A team from VFS has been called to TAFI’s meeting to explain about visas, Invited to update them. It was a very important session. Also we have a trade mark that is ‘Signature Event’. Last year also it was great. That is – ‘cake mixing’. Before Christmas, that’s done a bit. In this, representatives of travel agents, airlines have come. It can be made into cakes and given to orphans.”
“Looking forward to a lot of work next year.”
“The tourism industry has done very well here. After covid this year is moving at a normal pace. People are now going domestic, international a lot. Puja season has gone very well. Tourism has increased a lot. I look forward to a lot of work next year with my association looking at how we are getting government support. All by association. They are doing it their way. TAFI thinks differently. Our association always looks at what the members will benefit from. Our last meeting was from the US Consulate. At the same time there was a great discussion about cyber crime. Will arrange it again. TAFI is doing things a little differently.”
“Eastern India has an eye on how to take it to a different level”
“In Kolkata, TAFI, TAAI, everyone works together. I have resigned and now become a member of the National Committee. Bilolaksha Das has now become the chairman. Now we are looking to see if something can be done with the National Committee Eastern Chapter. Opportunities are always available from TAFI’s National Committee. Membership development is underway. Mr. Das is looking at tourism. All in all, Eastern India has an eye on how to take it to a different level. Here we have everything but desert, can be promoted. So the government is cooperating. Working inside. A lot of work is going on.”
TAFI’s Chairman (Eastern Chapter) Bilolaksha Das
“The role of travel agents in society has changed now”
“The role of travel agents has changed in the society now. We need to upgrade there. reassess. People are coming to us. But its reason is different. That means they are coming when they are stuck somewhere and need it. Earlier used to contact travel agents to visit a place. Now they are taking information. They are choosing themselves. Then coming to us. Our role there has changed a lot. Be it for travel, passport or visa. That has happened in various respects.”
“Travel Agents Becoming Travel Consultants”
“I wouldn’t call it a problem, it’s been good. That makes the question stronger. People are asking very specific questions. It has been an advantage for us. He is browsing the internet on a mobile or computer. He doesn’t know which one is right. It has become a headache for us to spread it inside them. Now they are wondering what their role actually is? As a travel consultant we can give honest advice to people. Society is slowly realizing that it can be okay to travel, that we are experts. That has been a big advantage for us.”
“People have learned to understand and are reaping the rewards.”
“After the lockdown, people have learned that if there is a person in the middle, they can sort things out. There is no problem if it is normal. But if something else happens then thinking about it. Therefore, if there is any problem related to travel or travel, they understand the importance of travel agents. But people have become aware of it. People have learned to understand and are reaping the rewards.”
“It is very difficult if the government does not take positive steps.”
“TAFI has 12 chapters across the country. Eastern India is the largest chapter. But more tourists go from here. But the business here is very little. Very few people come here. It has everything except the desert. But the government does not have the hyperactivity it needs. This is the case with every state of the Eastern Chapter. Now Eastern India is getting priority in the new policy but the business here is so small that the ballad is not a big deal. Awareness is also low here. Tourist friendly is not the case. Many things need to be upgraded. No matter what we do, it is very difficult if the government does not take positive action. On behalf of the association, we are trying to create more awareness.”
CA Arjun Akruawala shed light on GST and TCS
GST and TCS was one of the important topics discussed in the day. Chartered Accountant Arjun Akruawala enlightened the travel agents present on this matter. Who is involved in the audit related work of TAFI’s head office in Mumbai. Who is very experienced in dealing with GST and TCS of Travel Agents. On this day, he was invited to TAFI’s meeting in Kolkata. On this day, he discussed in detail about the use of GST-TCS in three aspects: airlines, hotels and travel and tour packages. While selling airline tickets, a travel agent or tour operator should keep an eye on how his GST is being deducted and how much he is left with it. CA Arjun Acruawala explains this matter in pen and paper. Second, he said how much GST is deducted by travel agents on hotel bookings and where it goes. The GST of the state in which the hotel is located is also shared by the state. For that there is SGST i.e. State GST which goes to the states and another one is CGST i.e. Central GST which goes to the Centre. Then he finally discussed about travel packages and tour packages. Travel packages are one and tour packages are another. That is, the tour package consists of accommodation, transportation, where to go, i.e. land package and all other things together is a tour package. 5% GST and 5% TCS are payable on tour packages. However, in case of single bill up to Rs. 7 lakh 5% TCS is deducted above Rs. 7 lakh i.e. if it exceeds Rs. 7 lakh then 20% has to be paid.
Abhijit Dhar, General Secretary of TAFI, Sajid Ahmed Khan of Thai Airways, Sakila Josh on behalf of VSS and others were present in the meeting.
Published on: Dec 22, 2023 at 19:32
