In a meeting held between industry stakeholders and Ministry of Tourism, chaired by Rupinder Brar, ADG, MOT, it was shared that SOPs are required for the segment of transport operators as well, since these are not included in the present SOPs. The meeting was held to discuss preparedness of stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries to received international tourists once the e-Tourist Visa is restored, with required protocols in place.
Read More »Arvind Singh appointed as new Secretary of Tourism
Arvind Singh, Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI) and a 1988 IAS officer of Maharashtra Cadre, has been appointed as the new Secretary of Tourism, GOI, and will be taking charge on February 1, 2021. He will be replacing Yogendra Tripathi, who, after more than 2 years as Tourism Secretary, will be joining as Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. Singh, had also served as Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) in Government of Maharashtra.
Read More »IATO mulls revised guidelines for tour operators by MOT
Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), in its recent interactive meeting of members, discussed the highlights of the revised guidelines for tourism service providers by MOT. The virtual event saw members discussing the new criteria and their issues with it, including categorisation of tour operators in five categories, inclusion of green shoots/start-ups, MDA scheme eligibility, etc. The EC clarified members’ queries and looks at taking the same to MOT.
Read More »MOT discusses insurance for inbound travellers
Rupinder Brar, ADG, Tourism, has said that they are in touch with insurance providers and Ministry of Finance to look at possibilities of providing insurance to travellers coming into India. “We are studying international models to see how we can incentivise travellers to come to our country and offer a certain sense of security to aid the process,” she said.
Read More »Tourism Ministry to focus on short-haul Asian destinations
Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, MOT, shares that the emphasis this time of MOT’s international promotional strategy will be on short-haul flights, countries and destinations from where people can actually travel in times to come. “We will be focusing on South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as on tapping new markets,” she says.
Read More »Minister Patel mulls int’l promotions
Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of Tourism & Culture (I/C), had a detailed discussion with MOT officials on the content for promotion of tourism in the global media. The Ministry has continuously been talking about the dire need to let the world know and generate confidence among travellers that once international travel begins, India would be a safe destination to travel to.
Read More »MOT plans boutique roadshows from Dec: Rupinder Brar
Rupinder Brar, ADG, Ministry of Tourism, is planning to do small boutique roadshows, some of which will be led by the Minister, while others will be led by senior MOT officials or regional directors. “The idea is to do events which will have around 35-40, or maximum 50 people, including trade, hoteliers, media and we hope to showcase new and nearby itineraries. With this we are hoping to drive domestic demand and create confidence. Some of them will also involve citywalk, where citizens will also be invited. While some roadshows have already started at regional director level, and we are hoping that the minister will kickstart the same in early December. We are hoping to start from Ahmedabad and ten go to Kevadia.”
Read More »TAAI urges MoCA & MOT to open air bubbles, visas for foreign tourists
Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has written to Minister of Civil Aviation and Minister of Tourism to request them to open tourist visas for foreigners to visit India; to make RTPCR tests mandatory for all arriving passengers with no quarantine; to absorb the costs of RTPCR test and waive it for travellers; should offer mandatory travel insurance for all incoming tourists, and allow travel to countries with which they don’t have air bubble agreement via flights through countries with which These agreements are in place. Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, had commented recently, “This would allow airlines to offer connecting flights to countries that are allowing Indians to visit. Many countries, which are not connected directly, like South Africa, South America, etc., but people want to travel there. Hence, there is a need to open beyond air bubbles. This would allow footfall on both sides.”
Read More »MOT relaxing rules for tour operators and start-ups: Meenakshi Sharma
Meenakshi Sharma, Director General, Tourism, has said that apart from coming out with the incentive schemes for tour operators in the form of MDA for promotions nationally or internationally, they are also relaxing the rules for approval of tour operators, so that the benefits can go to those who haven’t been involved with us and also for the start-ups. “This is because the promotion and marketing budget for the smaller formations are not burdened to them and the Government can pick up some of that tab,” she added, while addressing a CII Webinar recently.
Read More »IATO recommends 14 short-distance domestic itineraries to MOT
IATO has shortlisted 14 short-distance itineraries for tours of 2-3 days and submitted the list to Ministry of Tourism on the latter’s request. The ministry had also asked IATO to give suggestions for promoting seaplane travel, golf and Buddhist tourism. The Association has submitted the same after receiving inputs from its chapter chairmen.
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