Category Archives: Associations

As technology is transforming the aviation sector, Ricardo Letosa, Head of Business Strategy, SITA, said, during CAPA India Digital Aviation Summit 2024, “85% pax want travel documents auto-linked to digital identity. In fact, we have provided digital ID enrolment, and biometrics to three AACO airlines.”

K Syama Raju has been elected as the President at the 68th AGM of FHRAI. Among other office-bearers are: Pradeep Shetty as VP (West); SK Jaiswal as VP (North); Nitin Kothari as VP (East); K Nagaraju as Hon. Secy; Garish Oberoi as Hon. Treasurer; Ashoke Singh and Nirav Gandhi as Jt. Hon. Secretary.

Jimmy Shaw, Managing Director, The Waterfront Shaw, Lavasa has been elected the new President of The Hotel and Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI). The appointment took place during the 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai on 21st September, 2024, where new Office Bearers for the 2024-25 term were also appointed. In his new role, Shaw will continue to lead HRAWI’s efforts in spearheading various campaigns that cover critical facets of the hospitality industry, including food safety, regulatory advocacy, talent retention and development and sustainability. A third-generation hotelier, Shaw also serves as Director of Bona Sera Hotels and Shaw Hotels & Consultancy Services. In addition to his hospitality ventures, he is also the Managing Director of ShawMan Software and Director at IDS NEXT Business Solutions. Known for his advocacy within the industry, Shaw previously held the position of Honorary Secretary of HRAWI. “HRAWI has made significant progress, crossing many important milestones in recent years. The past committee’s leadership worked tirelessly to address member concerns and engage with the Government, facilitating swift resolutions where necessary. The Association has been proactive in addressing key challenges, from simplifying GST compliance to tackling issues like cyber-bullying and talent shortages. My goal is to continue this legacy and work in the best interest of our members and the hospitality sector as a whole. I am grateful to the Executive Committee for placing their trust in me and electing me as President,” said Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI. Under Jimmy Shaw’s leadership, HRAWI will continue engaging with the Government during the GST Council meetings and Union Budgets, collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and making legal interventions to address industry-wide concerns. The Association will be particularly …

As part of the global celebrations for World Tourism Day, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and Skal International, in collaboration with Goa Tourism, have organised a series of exciting and enriching activities on 27th September to highlight Goa’s cultural and historical heritage. With this year’s theme focusing on Tourism & Peace, three exclusive heritage walks have been curated to offer a deep dive into Goa’s rich history and local life. These walks are open to all, providing a unique opportunity to explore Goa like never before. In addition to the heritage walks, an exciting highlight of the celebrations includes the launch of a coffee table book at the cooking competition “Goencho Swad” by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). This event not only showcases Goa’s culinary traditions but also adds a literary touch, offering insights into the state’s diverse cultural and gastronomic heritage. Suneel Andhaka, IAS, Director, Tourism & Managing, GTDC stated “World Tourism Day is an opportunity to celebrate not just the beauty of Goa, but the stories, culture, and heritage that make it unique. Through initiatives like the Heritage Walks and the Stakeholders Meet, we aim to promote responsible tourism that respects our environment and communities while offering enriching experiences for travellers.” Jack Sukija, President, Travel & Tourism Association, Goa (TTAG) “These World Tourism Day events are designed to deepen the connection between visitors and Goa’s rich cultural heritage. By exploring our historic sites and engaging with local communities, we aim to foster a more immersive and sustainable approach to tourism that benefits both travellers and locals alike. We will also invite all our stakeholders from the travel trade to celebrate this year at the …

In a historic event, SKAL International Pune successfully hosted the “Pedal for a Purpose” Cyclothon on 22nd September, marking a significant milestone for Pune’s travel fraternity. The event, which brought together over 80 riders and 220 total participants, aimed not only at fostering unity but also at making a meaningful social impact. The Cyclothon, meticulously planned, was flagged off at 7:30 AM by esteemed dignitaries including Amit Sharma, GM, Amanora The Fern, Abhishek Sahai, GM, Conrad Pune, Pankaj Saxena, GM, Radisson Blu Kharadi Pune, and Biswajit Biswas, Executive Director, Ana Hotels & Resorts. Throughout the ride, participants stopped at 3 Impact Points, where they pledged to: Plant 5 Trees this year to promote a greener environment. Follow Road Safety Rules to ensure responsible commuting. Reduce Plastic Usage, committing to a more sustainable future. After completing the route, riders were greeted with a grand welcome by a team of over 30 Dhol Tasha players, creating an electrifying atmosphere full of energy and excitement. Beyond the Cyclothon, the event offered a wide variety of engaging activities for non-riders, including Yoga and Zumba sessions, a painting competition for all age groups, and an array of games and entertainment. The event also featured spectacular dance performances and beatboxing acts, adding to the festive mood. Attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread, and the day concluded with exciting lucky draws and prize distributions. Shaberam Rabbani, President, SKAL Pune, made a special mention of the event’s associate partners TAAI, TAAFI, PHA, & IIHM, acknowledging their support in making this event a true celebration of unity and social responsibility. With medical support from Manipal Hospitals and insurance coverage from Asego, the event showcased the power of collaboration for …

ATOAI’s AGM 2023-24 saw historic unanimous election of a woman candidate Arshdeep Anand as Vice President on its national leadership team for the term 2024-26. Meanwhile, Ajeet Bajaj was re-elected as President. Other elected office bearers include Vaibhav Kala as Senior VP; Ronny Gulati as Hon. Secretary; and Nirat Bhatt as Hon. Treasurer.

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the 2023-24 financial year and held its elections for the 2024-26 term on 16 September 2024, at The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, New Delhi. The event concluded with an exclusive Fellowship Dinner aiming to promote unity and camaraderie among its members who had gathered from various parts of the country. Annual General Meeting 2023-24 The AGM commenced with a powerful and visionary address by Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI who emphasised the association’s relentless pursuit of advancing sustainable and responsible adventure tourism in India. He lauded the united efforts of ATOAI members in fostering responsible tourism initiatives; while highlighting the remarkable progress and transformative achievements the association has accomplished over the past year. Ronny Singh Gulati, Honorary Secretary, presented the comprehensive annual report, showcasing ATOAI’s transformative initiatives and significant accomplishments throughout the 2023-24 period. Nirat Bhatt, Honorary Treasurer, presented a detailed overview of the financial performance report for the year 2023-24. His thorough analysis covered critical financial metrics and insights into the association’s financial stability and operational performance during this period. Resolutions passed at the AGM include: Approval of the Previous Minutes: The AGM passed the minutes from the 2023 AGM, held on 20 September, 2023. Financial Overview: Nirat Bhatt, Honorary Treasurer, presented the financial report for 2023-24, which was unanimously approved by the AGM. Auditor Appointment: The AGM formalised the appointment of SPH & Associates, represented by Pawan Kumar Ambawta, as auditors for the 2024-25 financial year. Tejbir Singh Anand, Senior Vice President, delivered the vote of thanks, extending deep appreciation to the ATOAI Executive Committee, Secretariat, members, the Ministry of Tourism, state governments and the …

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) orchestrated a spectacular Members Meet Evening on 12 September, 2024, at the prestigious Lyla Bombay in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This event was held in collaboration with Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO Travel Insurance, and it drew an impressive gathering of over 80+ members. The evening served as a dynamic platform for OTOAI members to explore new horizons and opportunities within the outbound tourism landscape. This soirée garnered tremendous support from Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO, highlighting the immense potential to attract tourists. Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, emphasised the association’s unwavering commitment to enhancing members’ knowledge and expertise. He expressed satisfaction with the exposure provided to emerging outbound destinations from India, noting the success of the event as a testament to the fruitful collaboration with Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO Travel Insurance. “The event was well-supported by Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO, highlighting their immense potential to attract tourists,” Munshi remarked. “We are delighted with our partnership with Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO, and the resounding success of the evening underscores its mutual benefit.” The Members Meet Evening not only fostered knowledge exchange but also showcased the collective enthusiasm of OTOAI, Tourism Western Australia, and ASEGO in shaping the future of outbound tourism from India. As the association continues to strive for excellence, such collaborative efforts pave the way for industry growth and innovation. OTOAI is a leading association representing India’s outbound tour operators and travel agents. With a focus on member growth, education, and industry partnerships, OTOAI aims to promote ethical standards, foster collaboration, and contribute to the development of the outbound tourism sector in India.

The Hotel Association of India has launched its Odisha Chapter intending to enhance the state’s tourism. The team of HAI met with Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister, Odisha and discussed the growth of the tourism sector in the state, and asked to give due recognition to the tourism and hospitality sector for its immense potential to generate jobs and promote inclusive growth.