Category Archives: Associations

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India is all geared up to organise its second edition of Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025 on 26 March in New Delhi. The platform is focused on advancing sustainability into mainstream tourism and hospitality. The day-long event will see Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as the Chief Guest. It will also have panel discussions focusing on key topics.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO in the recent luncheon meeting before the elections, expressed gratitude to members for their trust and support. He reflected on his 30-year association with IATO, from joining in 1995 to serving as Vice President and then President. Mehra expressed gratitude for members’ trust, highlighting key milestones like expanding membership beyond 2,000 and securing special hotel rates for small agents. He praised IATO’s transformation into a pan-India association and acknowledged industry and government support. Assuring continued dedication, Mehra welcomed new leadership, confident in IATO’s future growth.

TAAI hosted the ‘Women of Wonder Awards 2025’ in Delhi to celebrate women across India who have significantly impacted the travel, hospitality, and aviation industry. Among the awardees were Pravati Parida, Dy CM, Odisha, Mugdha Sinha, DG, MOT, etc. Out of 75 awards, 20 were received by TAAI’s Region and Chapter heads.

A delegation from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by M Vinod (President, AATO) along with K Hamza, Vivek, Sajid, and Saikat Biswas, met Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi (Retd.) to discuss key concerns impacting the tourism industry in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The delegation emphasised the need for a comprehensive tourism policy and the formation of a tourism committee comprising stakeholders and officials for better coordination. They also requested support for the revival of AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur flights, which were withdrawn in April 2024, and raised concerns over SpiceJet’s route withdrawal, which has led to increased airfare prices and inconvenience to travellers. AATO also urged the administration to open new islands for tourism to ease overcrowding at existing destinations and enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, the delegation requested the extension of Inland Vessel (IV) limits, allowing better maritime connectivity and smoother operations for tourism-related boat services. Joshi appreciated AATO’s efforts and assured that the administration is committed to addressing these concerns for the sustainable growth of tourism in the islands. AATO extends its gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for his valuable time and continued support in strengthening the Andaman tourism industry.  

Addressing the HRAWI conclave in Nashik recently, Dr Sagnik Chowdhury, Regional Director, India Tourism, Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, said, “The hospitality industry stands at a transformative crossroads, driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer expectations, and a renewed focus on sustainability. Collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and policymakers will be crucial in shaping a globally competitive hospitality sector. This conclave serves as a vital platform to exchange ideas, drive innovation and collectively work towards strengthening India’s position as a leading tourism destination.”

The launch of the first State Chapter of the Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) happened in Tamil Nadu. The inauguration ceremony was graced by distinguished guests and industry leaders in Chennai. The event was honoured by the presence of Chief Guest, Venkateshan, Regional Director (Southern Region), India Tourism, Chennai, and the Guests of Honour, Amla Dantas and Carl Dantas, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, ETAA. During the event, the newly appointed office-bearer team for the Tamil Nadu chapter was announced with PV Sharan Kumar as Chairman, Fathima Bai as Secretary and Selvi Grace Jecintha as Treasurer. The event was elevated by the attendance of several ETAA National Board Members, including Jagat Mehta, Director and National Board Member, Dipti Pradhan Thakoor, Director, National Board Member and Event Head, Joyson, National Board Member and Regional Director, South India and Abhijit Khadilkar, Director, National Board Member and Membership Head. The inauguration witnessed an enthusiastic crowd of 50+ attendees, including ETAA members, industry professionals from airlines, hotels, tourism, and members from ETAA Bangalore. This event marks an important milestone in ETAA’s mission to expand and strengthen its presence across India, offering new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and development in the tourism sector.  

IATO will host its 40th Annual Convention from 22-25 August 2025 at Swosti Premium Beach Resort, Puri, Odisha. The three-day event is expected to welcome 900-1000 delegates, including industry leaders and government officials. The theme and other logistics are being finalised and will be announced soon, said Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO.

HRAWI is gearing up to host its flagship ‘Empowering Hospitality’ conclave and awards ceremony in Nashik on 28 February. The event aims to promote industry collaboration and recognise hospitality leaders for their contributions to the sector. “The conclave is aimed at promoting knowledge-sharing and equipping professionals with tools to navigate today’s dynamic market,” said Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.

WTTC’s latest report ‘Bridging the Say-Do Gap: How to Create an Effective Sustainability Strategy by Knowing Your Customers’ focuses the gap between travellers’ desire for sustainable options and their actual behaviour. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travellers care about sustainability but when buying travel, cost and quality are king. Customers expect businesses to create affordable sustainable options.”

At the IATO Annual Day (Carnival), Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, emphasised the need to boost tourism circuits, noting that 50 circuits have been announced. “If even 10 circuits attract visitors, it will be a big win. Our goal is to urge the government to implement its plans and turn vision into reality,” he said.