Mumbai, October 20: The Indian National Cruise Lines Association (INCLA) has demanded a tax waiver from the government for reducing ticket prices by half. According to a report published in The Times of India, the association wanted that the government should reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 5 percent from 18 percent. The body also demanded that the GST on goods to be sold on-board should also be reduced to 5 percent.

There are 26 cruise liners under the banner of the INCLA. According to the report, these cruise liners wanted the GST exemption even on the procurement of ships. In addition to the cruise operators also demanded zero taxation on fuel supplied from Indian bunkers. The costs have already been by the Indian government’s move of o open the coasts for cruising. Mumbai- Goa 'Angriya' Cruise Begins, Know The Tickets Rates, Timings and Halts on The Route

Bermello Ajamil and Partners survey has revealed that there is a huge potential for cruise tourism in India. The survey said that opening coasts for cruising could generate 2.5 lakh jobs and there would an increase in cruise tourism from 1.8 lakh to 40 lakh. With this move, there would be an increase in cruise ships venturing into Indian waters from 158 to 955 in five years. The survey also suggests that the related revenue has would increase from Rs 712 crore to Rs 35,500 crore by 2022.

The demand of the INCLA has come just before flagging off the first domestic cruise ship named Angriya from Mumbai to Goa. According to the report, there has been 60 percent booking in the ship for the next two months. The cruise will operate all alternate days, and the approximate fare is Rs 7,000 per person.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2018 04:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).