(a) whether the Government propose to encourage the establishment of Heritage Hotels in old haveli/palaces in the country;
(b) if so, the steps taken in this regard, State-wise;
(
(c) the number of heritage hotels established and proposed to be established in Orissa during 2000-2001; and
(d) the steps taken to clear the pending proposals in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI ANANTH KUMAR)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. In order to encourage Heritage hotels all over the country, the Government extends various incentives to the classified Heritage hotels and approved Heritage hotel projects including income tax exemption under sections 80-IA and 80-HHD of the Income Tax Act 1961; Interest Subsidy at the rate of 5% on loan taken from TFCI, IFCI, State Financial Corporations and State Industrial Development Corporations; import of special items; concessional custom duty on imports.
(c): The Department of Tourism has not received any proposal for the establishment of Heritage hotels in the state of Orissa so far during the year 2000-2001.
(d): Does not arise.