Category Archives: Associations

The Hotel Association of India (HAI) welcomed the Prime Minister’s consideration of rationalising GST, calling it vital for global competitiveness. The association urged a 5% tax rate with input credit across hospitality and tourism. The reform, it said, will enhance India’s appeal and support the 2047 goal of 100 million foreign arrivals.

The 40th IATO Convention concluded in Puri with over 1,100 attendees. During the inaugural session, Ajay Jain, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh, announced that the 41st edition will be hosted in Visakhapatnam in August–September 2026, spotlighting the vibrant coastal city as a key tourism and cultural hub.

At the 40th IATO Convention 2025 in Puri, Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh, announced that the 41st IATO Convention will be hosted in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh in August-September 2026.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), representing the hospitality industry across the country, has requested Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Finance Minister and Chairperson of the GST Council, for the rationalisation of GST in the tourism and hospitality sector. The appeal seeks to position Indian tourism as a driver of economic growth while enhancing its global competitiveness in alignment with India’s Vision 2047. FHRAI welcomed the landmark GST reforms announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on August 15, 2025, describing them as a reflection of the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s tax regime, simplifying compliance, and paving the way for sustained growth. Tourism has long been one of India’s most strategic growth pillars, contributing nearly five per cent to the nation’s GDP, with the potential to double this contribution if supported by conducive policy measures. It remains one of the largest employment generators, offering extensive opportunities for youth and women, and is recognised for its high multiplier effect, where every rupee invested in hospitality generates a return of 3.5 rupees in output, while one direct job in the sector creates an additional 3.2 indirect jobs. Despite this strong potential, India’s current GST structure makes the tourism sector less competitive compared to its Asian peers. Countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia operate under lower tax regimes, ranging between 6 and 10 per cent, which helps them attract significantly larger tourist inflows. In contrast, India’s higher GST structure reduces affordability and weakens its appeal for international travellers. FHRAI has therefore emphasised the need for uniformity and simplicity in GST to make tourism services more accessible and globally competitive. It has recommended the introduction …

The 25th WTTC Global Summit is all set to be held from 28–30 September in Rome, featuring influential global leaders. Indian speakers include Puneet Chhatwal, CEO, IHCL, Zubin Karkaria, CEO, VFS Global and Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-Founder, TBO.

The world’s biggest names in Travel & Tourism to gather in the Eternal City The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the first wave of headline speakers for its milestone 25th Global Summit in Rome, set to take place from 28–30 September at the iconic Auditorium Parco della Musica. Returning to Europe in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio Region, the summit will convene business leaders, policymakers, and media from across the globe to debate the future of an industry that drives 10% of global GDP. This year’s agenda will spotlight the game-changing potential of artificial intelligence, sustainability imperatives, and bold strategies to secure the sector’s growth in the coming decade. The stellar line-up already confirmed features: William E. Heinecke (Minor Hotels), Matthew Upchurch (Virtuoso), Jane Sun (Trip.com Group), Gaurav Bhatnagar (TBO.com), Jerry Inzerillo (Diriyah Company), Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Cruises), Paolo Barletta (Arsenale Spa), Andrea Grisdale (IC Bellagio), Desiree Bollier (The Bicester Collection), Anthony Capuano (Marriott International), Caroline Beteta (Visit California), Christie Travers-Smith (Google), Elie Maalouf (IHG), Decius Valmorbida Menezes (Amadeus), and Zubin Karkaria (VFS Global). Additional voices include Puneet Chhatwal (IHCL), Julie Shainock (Microsoft), Hashil Al Mahrouqi (OMRAN Group), and Massimo Caputi (Terme & Spa Italia). The summit will also mark a leadership handover: Greg O’Hara, Founder of Certares and current WTTC Chair, will pass the torch to Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of Abercrombie & Kent. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome such a distinguished group of speakers. The Eternal City provides the perfect backdrop for a Summit where Travel & Tourism leaders will gather to innovate, collaborate, and drive …

India’s adventure tourism market has doubled in a decade. ATOAI projects it will surpass ₹3.9 lakh crore by 2030 and may even surpass 27 lakh crore by 2033, driven by rising demand, infra upgrades and responsible adventure experiences, as per Arshdeep Anand, VP, ATOAI.

FAITH Conclave 2025 themed ‘Indian Tourism: Invincible Spirit!’ begins today in Delhi. “Industry leaders will chart the Tourism@2047 vision, aiming for a US$ 3 tn tourism economy and 200 million new jobs by 2047,” said Puneet Chhatwal, Chairman, FAITH and MD & CEO, IHCL.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi will host next TAAI Convention from 17-19 September 2025 under the theme ‘Business with Goodness’. Abdulla Yousuf, Director, International Ops, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “The event will foster enduring partnerships between Abu Dhabi and India.”

The vibrant travel community of Mumbai witnessed a memorable gathering as T Syndicate, a prominent travel agents’ association, hosted a special event at The Peninsula Grand Hotel, Andheri. The occasion was not just another industry meet—it reflected unity, patriotic fervor, and promising global opportunities for travel professionals. Founded by Siddharth Shah of Primark Travel House and Mr. Hemant Shah of Neel Travels, T Syndicate continues to create a platform fostering collaboration, information exchange, and growth among travel agents. The August meet was marked by an Independence Day theme, celebrating the spirit of freedom and enterprise. The event drew in an impressive turnout of over 70 travel agents, making it a full house and underscoring the association’s growing presence and relevance in the industry. A key highlight of the evening was an insightful presentation on Japan by event sponsors, Mr. Pranay Nath and Ms. Neha from I Love Japan DMC. The presentation offered enriching information about Japan’s tourism offerings, itinerary planning tips, and opportunities for Indian travel partners—further encouraging destination promotion post-pandemic. The session was especially appreciated for its depth, practical value, and renewed ties between Indian agents and the DMC community. The event concluded with networking over fine culinary offerings and a sense of shared patriotism and purpose, echoing the spirit of August. T Syndicate Core Committee: Siddharth Shah – Director Hemant Shah – Director Vijay Sanghavi – President Rushabh Parikh – Secretary Harish Doshi – Joint Secretary Janak Gala – Treasurer With such impactful gatherings, T Syndicate sets an example of how collective effort, forward-thinking, and industry partnerships can drive the travel trade forward. The association looks forward to many more such enriching engagements that empower agents and promote …