Category Archives: Associations

A TAFI delegation led by President Ajay Prakash called on Jyotiraditya Scindia to discuss the current situation and to seek assistance for the revival of the travel and tourism industry. He told the delegation that he is fully seized of the difficulty faced by agents and travellers alike due to the suspension of scheduled flights and stated the govt. will resume normal flights as soon as it is prudent.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) of the United Nations calls out against the introduction of blanket restrictions on travel, as witnessed in recent days. This call echoes the concerns raised by UNWTO Members during the 24th UNWTO General. Countries from all global regions expressed their solidarity with Southern African states, calling for the immediate lifting of travel bans imposed on specific countries and for freedom of international travel to be upheld.

Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), has said that the MOT has spoken about taking stalls at Fitur and ITB. “We have asked our members about the same and around 30 IATO members have expressed willingness to participate in these travel shows. Fitur is scheduled in January, while ITB is scheduled in early March, 2022.

According to the latest forecast by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the same amount was lost in 2020, making it one of the sectors hit hardest by the health crisis. The coronavirus pandemic would likely cost the global tourism sector $2 trillion in lost revenue in 2021, revealed UN’s travel body, calling the sector’s recovery “fragile” and “slow.”

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, has revealed that the CM of Gujarat, Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel has confirmed to attend the 36th IATO Convention. “Sripad Yesso Naik, MoS, Tourism has also confirmed his presence for the valedictory session, scheduled on 18th December. We will also have Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, for our session on revival of business along with Dr. V Venu, Additional Chief Secretary, Kerala Tourism.”

As the tourism industry bounces back with all safety protocols, the Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA), South Chapter recently initiated a knowledge session for its members. Many crucial changes in travel agents booking systems which will initiate digitalisation were announced. The session was held at The Paul Hotel Bangalore on 26 November and was all about discussions of TIDS and The Paul John Hotels & Resorts familiarization tour at Domlur, Bengaluru. The Travel Industry Designatory Service (TIDS) is an identity management program designed by IATA, Canada for all non-IATA travel companies made available free of cost globally. On procuring ETAA recommendation letter, the TIDS procedure will be complete. Travel agents and tour operators availing the service will get updated on the IATA agency list. This additional agency listing in turn with benefit airlines and hotel industry globally.

As per the WTTC report, 68 million travellers prefer to book a “Greener Choice” marked flight that is a lower-carbon flight option. In the long run ‘the country side’ destinations, will be the popular choice. The pause in travel has intensified people’s zeal to travel sustainably, with over eight out of 10 (83%) global travellers desiring sustainable travel in the future.

Poona Hoteliers Association, a body representing 60+ Star Hotels of Pune, 11 Hotel Management Institutes, and 10 Hospitality Vendor Members, elects Mr Sharan Shetty as President for 2021-22 at the Annual General Meeting held on 30th September, 2021 at Amanora The Fern Hotel. He continues his 3rd Year as President.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to adopt simple, predictable and practical measures to safely and efficiently facilitate the ramping-up of international travel as borders re-open. Specifically, IATA urged governments to focus on three key areas, simplified health protocol, digital solutions to process health credentials, and COVID-19 measures proportionate to risk levels with a continuous review process.

Sanjay Razdan, Joint Secretary, IATO reveals that the tourism post pandemic has completely changed. He said “Tourists travelling to India want to visit nature based tourist places, foreign tourists are keen to explore natural parks. The bookings that the travel agents are getting are different from what they used to get. International tourist are giving thrust on less popular and less crowded places at present”.