Category Archives: Associations

Joel Katz, MD (Australasia), CLIA, has said that cruise tourism is managed tourism. “Ships don’t just turn up. Visits are planned 2-3 years out and in coordination with local port authorities who manage the port bookings. Cruise tourism contributes to the economic vitality of ports, neighbouring communities and local residents.”

Sharing his views on the resumption of e-tourist visa for Canadian nationals, Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO, says, “We are happy and pleased with this development as opening of visas for Canada which is one of the largest source market for India, will be a big booster shot for our inbound tourism. Hopefully, the tourist flow from Canada will begin by January. Also, we will urge the government to allow e-visa for Chinese visitors. While other visas are open for the Chinese travellers, the absence of e-visa is still an impediment for them. Hopefully, the government will consider this as well.”

Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, announces its’ 15th Annual Convention. This event is slated to take place at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat from December 16-19, 2023. The four days will bring together stakeholders from all over the country to discuss and celebrate the growth and potential of responsible adventure tourism in India. Ajeet Bajaj, President ATOAI says “Adventure tourism, before the pandemic, was a burgeoning global industry valued at $683 billion, with a remarkable 21% Compound Annual Growth rate since 2012. The World Bank recognizes it as the largest niche market, attracting approximately 238 million travelers annually. Pre-pandemic projections from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and George Washington University, USA, anticipated that by 2024, adventure travel would burgeon into a trillion-dollar global industry. India, with its rich natural heritage, is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this sector. Our diverse geographical terrains, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage make us an unparalleled destination for adventure enthusiasts. With the right strategies and initiatives, we can potentially double our inbound tourist figures in the next five years through Adventure Tourism alone. This not only boosts our economy but also promotes sustainable development in remote regions of our country. Gujarat, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is emerging as a vibrant hub for adventure tourism in India. We are excited to unveil the untapped potential of this magnificent state, offering thrilling experiences and unforgettable journeys to adventure enthusiasts from around the world.” Hareet Shukla (IAS), Secretary Tourism, Government of Gujarat says “We are thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to the esteemed members of the Adventure …

At its Global Summit in Kigali, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the African Travel & Tourism sector could add US$168BN to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs. According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’, this potential growth is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 6.5%, reaching a contribution of more than US$ 350BN. The report includes a policy package focused on improving Africa’s growth based on air infrastructure, visa facilitation and tourism marketing. Travel & Tourism is a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$ 186BN to the region’s economy in 2019, welcoming 84 million international travellers. The sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihoods to 25 million people, equating to 5.6% of all the jobs in the region. Speaking at the global tourism body’s Global Summit in Kigali today, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. In just two decades, it has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent’s economy. “Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in Africa is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade. “Africa needs simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent.” According to Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO, VFS Global, “We are excited to partner with WTTC to uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel & Tourism offers in Africa.” “Having established our …

Recognising the tourism sector as a pillar of economic and social development, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has launched an education toolkit for the incorporation of tourism as a subject in high schools across the world. The toolkit includes modules not only for Ministries of Education but also for parents, school directors, and teachers.

The Tourism India Alliance (TIA) held its member induction and industry outreach program in Jaipur on 31st October 2023 wherein prominent tourism stakeholders from the city deliberated and discussed the way forward for the betterment of the industry. All participants welcomed TIA’s initiative and assured full cooperation for its future activities in the region and also allover the country.

Peter Semone, Chair, PATA, said, “PATA forecasts international visitor numbers by the end of 2023 are predicted to exceed 516 million, approaching 76% of the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. This is expected to further increase to 107% in 2024 and 116% in 2025.”

Voicing concern at the increase of 5 per cent in VAT on liquor, HRAWI has urged the govt. to reconsider the decision in light of the concerns including the impact on tourism and the State’s revenues, loss of business to hospitality establishments and the possibility of bootlegging, among others.

The 5th OTOAI Convention 2023 is set to take place from 24-27 November in Nairobi, Kenya. Speaking about the significance of this convention, Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, emphasised that members will gain experience and valuable opportunities during and after their visit. This will help promote it in an improved way and be able to generate better revenue.

An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, (MPTB) and The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) in Bhopal today to strengthen, promote and develop cooperation in research, promotion and tourism development in Madhya Pradesh. MPTB and IATO agreed to assist each other to promote tourism to the state by organizing travel visits to destination of Madhya Pradesh; Organizing familiarization trips of Madhya Pradesh; Marketing & Awareness through all possible means; Exchange of publication, reports and other academic materials; Co-organize Travel and Tourism trade events/exhibitions; and Promoting Tourism Destinations through Media and PR. MPTB shall provide Madhya Pradesh Tourism specific brochures and publicity materials to IATO which IATO will share with its large membership base and foreign tour operators through its members in order to promote tourism destinations in Madhya Pradesh and rural tourism destinations. IATO will also  share the information with potential investors in IATO membership for Capital Investment subsidy for creation of Tourism infrastructure and to establish Tourism Projects etc. by way of investment and interest subsidy with an intention to promote investment in Madhya Pradesh. IATO will also share the information with the foreign tour operators through its members regarding Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy and motivate foreign filmmakers through FTOs to shoot films in location of Madhya Pradesh and get all the available benefits. The MoU was signed by Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Managing Director – Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) and Mr. Rajiv Mehra Mehra, President – Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).  Shri Vivek Shrotriya, IAS, Additional Managing Director- MPTB, Mr. Yuvraj Padole, Deputy Director- MPTB, Mr. Ravi Gosain, Vice President – IATO and Mr. Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman – …