Category Archives: Associations

Anoop Kanuga, MC Member, TAAI, said, “The potential to host weddings in J&K is immense, primarily due to its scenic locations and cultural richness. To tap it, the govt can help support the MICE community by improving infrastructure, strengthening security and offering subsidies to attract event organisers and agents to host weddings and MICE tourism events in the region.”

Sharing some of the pain points that he seeks clarity and consideration on from the FM , in the upcoming budget, Mahendra Vakharia, Executive Committee Member / Immediate Past President – OTOAI & MD, Pathfinders Holidays, shares the below: Make the GST application and adjustment of Credit rule simpler for services rendered to client based in different state, service purchased from different state and invoiced from different state…. Allow adjustment of input credit of GST for International Holidays Reduce the percentage of TCS and Simplify the application of TCS on Foreign tour packages if you are unable to completely abolish TCS on International Packages – especially when booked from a tour operator / travel agent as it is not creating a level playing field for the Travel Agent charging TCS against  a Foreign registered online portal which is allowed to process bookings without charging TCS. This is totally and completely demoralising in defeating the rule of “Make in India” and favouring the foreign operators instead of the local travel agents. Interpretation of TCS rule is also very complicated and should be made very simple – both for the client and the travel agent thereby reducing the liability of the Travel Agent for non compliance due to ambiguity of the law and its implementation In fact from the day one when TCS was introduced the request from Industry was to abolish this TCS rule for International Tour Packages. This rule is not giving the local travel agent who is generating employment, paying income tax, paying GST,  a level playing field in comparision to the online Foreign Travel Portal who is not paying income tax, not generating employment, not paying GST and taking …

Türkiye, a premier destination for travellers worldwide, continues to see a remarkable surge in tourism from India. In the first 5 months of 2024, the number of Indian visitors reached an impressive 1,26,000, representing a 34% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge is notable against the backdrop of 2023, wherein Türkiye welcomed a total of 2,74,000 Indian tourists for the entire year. This significant growth highlights Türkiye’s ongoing appeal and its strategic efforts to attract more Indian tourists. Indian tourists have shown a strong preference for a variety of tourism experiences in Türkiye. Many Indian visitors are exploring Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, shopping, and dining experiences at their own pace as Free Independent Travellers (FITs). Several regions and cities in Türkiye have seen a notable increase in Indian tourists. Istanbul, renowned for its historical landmarks, vibrant culture and unique gastronomic experiences, remains a top destination. Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscapes and hot air balloon rides, has also attracted many Indian visitors. Coastal areas such as Antalya and Bodrum, which are known for their stunning beaches and luxury resorts, are also popular for unique wedding ceremonies, honeymoons, luxurious celebrations, and events. Other destinations like Pamukkale, İzmir, and Alaçatı are known for their natural beauty and historical sites, drawing significant numbers of tourists. This impressive growth is attributed to active promotion and PR activities in India, as well as successful collaborations with Indian stakeholders, including travel agents, corporates, and wedding planners. Earlier this year, Türkiye Tourism concluded a successful six-city India Roadshow in collaboration with the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). This initiative aimed to strengthen ties between the Indian travel trade and Turkish tourism, fostering …

Ahead of the Union Budget, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, said, “To make India a preferred travel destination, the Union Budget 2024-2025 must focus on infrastructure, more favourable GST rates and GST credit, industry status including travel operators, development of new airports, and rapid expansion in rail, road and waterways.”

FHRAI’s 54th Annual Convention will be inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Tourism, GoI from 16-18 October. The theme of this year’s three-day convention is “Tourism @2047: Incredible to Inevitable India”. The event focuses on driving sustainable growth and innovation in India’s tourism sector.

KB Kachru, President, HAI, said, “The forthcoming Union Budget offers an opportunity to unleash the potential of India hospitality in its contribution to India Vision 2047. We request the government to make key policy shifts in the sector by giving infrastructure status to hotels rather than categorising them as luxury, elite or even ‘sin’ goods”.

Expressing their dismay against the proposal of 2 per cent sustainability fee, TTAG wrote to Goa’s Tourism Department stating, “Imposition of 2 per cent levy on every invoice will adversely affect our competitiveness and the compliance burden will increase. No other tourism destination in India’s inbound market levies such a fee.”

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “We requested the Prime Minister for financial support to be provided to tour operators based on their foreign exchange earnings. Additionally, we urged the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to allocate a budget of rupees ₹1,000 crore or more for the revival of incoming tourism.”

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “We requested the Prime Minister for financial support to be provided to tour operators based on their foreign exchange earnings. Additionally, we urged the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to allocate a Unof rupees ₹1000 crore or more for the revival of incoming tourism.”

According to a new WTTC report, India’s travel and tourism sector has recovered significantly with domestic tourism playing a pivotal role but international travel spend continues to remain below pre-Covid levels. Consulting firm McKinsey and Company had earlier projected that India will become the fourth-largest domestic travel market in terms of spending by 2030.