In India, hotels are taxed anywhere between 20% and 25% depending on the state that they are operating in, when other Asian countries are levying 8-10%. In addition to this, different tax structures in different states are difficult for tourists to comprehend, say hoteliers. The ongoing economic slowdown has further hurt the sector as it affected both business and leisure travel.

"The general slowdown in the economy has hit the hotel industry. Over the last two years, average room rates have definitely reduced and occupancy has been stagnant," said SM Shervani, president of the Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI).

In fiscal 2012-13, occupancy rates in the sector dropped to a decade low of 58.3% and the average room rates fell to the lowest in six years at Rs 6,214, according to data from a hospitality consultancy.

Hotel owners want the next government to reduce interest rates on loans as well for the industry.

Dilip Puri, India managing director of Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts, which runs brands like Westin and Le Meridien, expects the next government to offer some boosters to the industry because political parties have given "some recognition" to travel and tourism in their manifestos.

After the government unveiled its budget for fiscal 2013-14, the FHRAI had said that industries such as hospitality, which are particularly sensitive to volatility in economic cycles, should have been offered support in the form of tax relief and other fiscal incentives. That was the last full budget of the current government as it has presented only an interim budget for this year. The full budget will be presented by the government that takes charge after the ongoing elections.

"We would look for pro-tourism policies from the next government which could potentially change the hospitality and tourism space in India for the better," said Arjun Sharma, managing director of Le Passage to India.  Hospitality industry expert Uttam Dave said the industry is pinning its hopes on a stable government post the elections. For most, it is the idea of a pro-business government driving clear economic direction for the country, which will help the travel and hotel industry in a big way.