Over a year ago the Centre had announced that hotels should maintain single tariff which should be applicable for domestic andforeign clients. The move, however, was opposed by hoteliers who challenged it in the court.Pradhan said tourism is one of the major instrument for economic development and job creation, and several measures have been initiated for its sustained growth. He, however, opposed any subsidy for the sector. "There are enough incentives available for the industry and there is no need for subsidy," he added.

Travel and tourism exhibitions, he said, provide an excellent opportunity for the industry to show-case their products and services. But these should be organised at intervals to give maximum opportunity to consumers. Earlier, addressing the conference TAAI president Neeraj Ghei said travel agents by virtue of providing value added services have grown from being just as agent or an intermediary to being a facilitator, counsellor and a consultant for the domestic and international traveller.

She said that leisure travel will expand sharply in the first few years of the millennium. Despite the situation in theAsia Pacific, tourism will grow sharply in this region. "The outbound tourists market appears to grow annually at 15 per cent and the organised sector accounts for handling approximately 5,00,000 passengers," she added.

The industry, however, needs to address certain issues which are hampering the growth of tourism in the country, such as inadequate infrastructure and insufficient accommodation, she said.

Steps such as a single point taxation for tourist vehicles and removing the barriers of inter-state movement and a 30-days visa free visit for tourists from 10 highest tourist generating markets and making visas available on arrival will help the growth of the industry, she added.