The tourism industry in Rajasthan is experiencing a significant slump this summer, with hotel occupancies plummeting to just 35-40% compared to previous years. This downturn is attributed to soaring fuel prices, geopolitical unrest, and reduced corporate travel, leading to a 20-25% drop in room rates. Industry representatives have urged the state government to lower the VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 25% to 7%, similar to recent reductions in Maharashtra and Delhi, to make air travel more affordable and stimulate tourism growth. Ranvijay Singh Rathore, secretary of the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan, emphasized that enhanced air connectivity is vital for reviving tourism in key destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. The tourism sector, which has been a significant contributor to the state's economy, is facing challenges as leisure property occupancies have dropped to 25-30%, resulting in financial losses for many businesses. Stakeholders believe that reducing ATF VAT could help airlines expand their operations and ultimately support the recovery of the tourism industry.