Category Archives: Associations

Commenting on the new MoU that HRAWI has signed with Ingram Micro India, Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI, said, “It reflects our commitment to harness new-age tech solutions and expertise for the betterment of our members. We aim to co-create and lead tech seminars that will empower our members with the latest advancements in the sector. It also aligns with our commitment to creating a global circular economy through responsible disposal and reverse logistics. It’s about shaping the future of the hospitality sector through innovation and sustainability.”  

Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI said, “The more people can move freely, the better it is for the industry. I wish the Indian government would take a leaf out of their books and look at creating a visa on arrival for as many nationalities as possible. Even waiving it for some, if we want to attract inbound tourists. Inbound tourism to India has been slow in recovery; we are nowhere near our pre-COVID levels.” 

Following the annual convention held in Nairobi, OTOAI has received 15-30 new applications for enrollment. The association is also stringent about accepting the applications and is not approving every application that comes in. “We are now working towards capitalizing on the convention,” said Riaz Munshi, President of OTOAI.

The research by WTTC highlights the consistent, steady growth of young people employed directly by the sector over the last decade, with a total of 39.7 million jobs supported by Travel & Tourism around the world in 2019, up 28% since 2010. However, this figure was significantly impacted by COVID-19, where youth employment dropped 27%.

Sharing his expectations from 2024, Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI, said, “We hope that in the new year, India will also look at liberalizing its visa regime so that foreign tourists will be able to travel to India more freely and with fewer hassles. Travel is increasing and India needs to get a fair share of inbound traffic.”

Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI said, “We are now offering 100-plus online courses for free to our members– from how to be a better travel consultant, how to be an effective counter staff and many soft skills. It is rich in content, and we hope our members will take advantage of this”. TAFI has also tied up with another firm to provide 100+ skilling courses on various subjects.

Shravan Bhalla, Convention Head & VP, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India, says, “Post fam trips, travel agents can sell Kenya as a wildlife destination in a much better and more professional way. Stay in Kenya can be extended to 10 nights from just 4-5 nights”,

5th OTOAI Convention which was held at Sarova Stanley, Nairobi, Kenya, from 24th-27th Nov. “150 members were present in the convention and we are happy about receiving positive response from the members who went for fam trips and sightseeing,” said Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI.

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.”