Category Archives: Associations

The association’s national elections that had been in limbo since January 2021 will now be held soon, said Pradip Lulla, Acting President and Vice President, TAFI. “The court case that had been filed in Indore has now been officially withdrawn and we are awaiting documents from court. We can now start planning our national elections, which will be announced soon,” he revealed.

The sixth edition of the Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) will be held from 10th April, 2021 to 12th April 2021 at Mayfair Tea Resort, Siliguri – the gateway to the North Eastern part of India. Bengal Travel Mart is an initiative of the Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators Association (EHTTOA), West Bengal Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to showcase tourism in Siliguri, West Bengal.

FHRAI has cited and lauded the SC order where a waiver of compound interest on loans above Rs 2 crore has been announced which has come as a major relief and positive sign for the Hospitality industry. FHRAI plans to continue engaging with the government for sector-specific relief.

Instead of making its own state chapters, Network of Indian MICE agents (NIMA), is signing MoU with local associations in different states. Jagdeep Bhagat, National Coordinator, NIMA said, “We have already completed arrangement with five state associations, and we are working together for promoting MICE in those states. The idea remains that we will not be opening our state chapters and we will do whatever best we can do to strengthen the state infrastructure to go for constructive development of MICE resources, facilities and promotion of MICE.”

IATO says that for members who have paid their annual subscription for FY2020-21, membership will be automatically renewed for FY2021-22 and they will not be charged the annual subscription fee. The Association also says that members who have not yet paid their annual subscription for FY2020-21 can pay till March 31 this year or even the next.

Reacting to a social media post by Air India on March 18, Pradip Lulla, Acting President, TAFI, said that the association has written to the national carrier, asking for clarification. The post said, ‘Passengers traveling on AI flights to Rome, Toronto and Vancouver from India may kindly note that booking for these flights will not be available through travel agencies based in India.’

FHRAI and IRCTC have come together to offer hotel accommodations to tourists. The collaboration will allow hotel members of the FHRAI and its Regional Associations to provide their inventory for sale as online Accommodation Partners through the IRCTC tourism website and its associate portal. As part of the special partnering offer, a discount of 2 per cent on the commission payable to IRCTC is offered to the hotel or chain of hotels in the 3-star category or with equivalent facilities.

Vishwas Makhija, President, ATOAI said that the Adventure Travel Operators Associations of India (ATOAI) has reviewed and restructured its sub-committees. “ATOAI Committee Formations have been completed, we need more active participation in our committees as we move ahead.” He also informed about the total revamp of the ATOAI website for which the work has already begun.

Indiatourism Port Blair, in collaboration with Association of Andaman Tour Operators (AATO), has launched ‘India@75’, an industry-led movement which brings together different stakeholders of society to create a morally, economically and technologically advanced country. The programme, called ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’ will commence 75 weeks prior to August 15, 2022 – the day independent India turns 75 – and end on August 15, 2023. The programme will also promote 2022 as ‘Visit India Year’ through various promotional campaigns highlighting India’s strengths like heritage, culture, art, wellness and yoga.

TAAI in association with Gujarat Tourism is organising the TAAI Tourism Conclave at Statue of Unity, Kevadia from 9-12 March. The Conclave scheduled today is aimed to bring members together and brainstorm on importance of Domestic travel & new ways & opportunities for the industry. Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said, “TAAI is constantly involved with the government to establish correct procedures & support our membership to adopt transformation & to continuously improve our ability to explore, achieve & prosper.”