Category Archives: Associations

Riaz Munshi, president, OTOAI said, “There is a significant change in travelling pattern, travellers are now taking multiple trips during the year. They prefer to travel for more number of days, explore newer destinations and uncover off-the-beaten track experiences”. 

IATO President Rajiv Mehra has written to the Prime Minister requesting him to restore the Service Export Incentive Scheme (SEIS). As an alternative to this, IATO suggested the introduction of a scheme in the new Foreign Trade Policy, as the inbound tourism sector is still suffering and needs hand holding by the government. Additionally, the association seeks roll back of TCS of 20% to 5% on Overseas Tour Packages announced in the Union Budget.

MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI, believes that to attract medical tourists, maintaining global standards is a primary requisite. “Thematic creatives on niche tourism products like medical tourism are being used in government campaigns to cater to diverse consumer interests,” he adds.

World Travel and Tourism Council says that by 2033, tourism sector will grow its GDP contribution to $15.5 trillion, i.e. 11.6% of the global economy, and will employ 430mn people around the world, with almost 12% of working population in the sector.

The 38th IATO Convention will be held from 29 Sept to 2 Oct in Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. The inauguration will be done on 29th evening, sessions on 30th and 1st, and 2nd Oct the post-tours will take place. 

WTTC’s 2023 Economic Impact Research reveals the Travel & Tourism sector is close to its 2019 peak, recovering over 95%. It’s expected to reach $9.5TN in 2023, just 5% below pre-pandemic levels. 34 countries surpassed 2019 levels. The sector is also predicted to recover 95% of its 2019 job level. 

CAPA India has said that the aviation policy should plan for airport capacity that will last for a generation and beyond, and which is developed ahead of demand. “Delhi and Mumbai need to start planning for 3rd airports, for which land acquisition should commence immediately,” it was stated at its 35th Research Briefing.

OTOAI in association with VisitBritain, conducted a VISA workshop at the British High Commission, New Delhi, during which OTOAI recommended that the UK Visa immigration develop a portal which provides a login ID and password to tour operators to apply for visas for their customers online. 

Educational trips are a great learning tool for travel consultants and first-hand experience gives them a better understanding of the destination. Keeping this in mind, ETAA organized an educational trip to Nepal in association with The Travel Cube Bangalore and Nepal office head. The Travel Cube have their own set up in Nepal and ensure that itineraries are designed as the requirements of the clients and deliver quality service. About 33 members from India joined the trip. Team ETAA is thankful to The Travel Cube for their efforts in taking good care of members and making the trip a memorable one.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, thanked the membership for voting his Dream team at the elections and said that their focus going forward will be to serve them in the best way possible. “We will do our best to fulfil the needs of tourism fraternity,” he said.