Tag Archives: MoT

MOT to start discussions with stakeholders on 10th August on future preparedness

Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, has said that the tourism minister will be starting series of next round of discussions to further discuss the preparedness to deal with COVID-199 from 10th August. There will be layers of discussions with a common goal for the ministry and the stakeholders to work together, she said.

Read More »

Responsible tourism foundation of new tourism policy: MoT

Meenakshi Sharma, DG, Ministry of Tourism, has said that they are in the process of making some changes in the new tourism policy, making responsible tourism as its foundation. She added that responsible tourism cannot be discussed as a separate entity; it should be a part of everything we do going forward. “We will add more elements to responsible tourism as we move forward. One will be health and hygiene. It’s also about developing new practices and behaviour of the tourist as a responsible visitor. It cannot be the responsibility of only the service provider, but also the one receiving the services. Honestly, we had not put our minds into this aspect as much as we should have earlier. It will be our priority now,” she said.

Read More »

MoT to up marketing aid for ‘recognised’ agents

Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director (West & Central India), Indiatourism Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, said, “By enrolling in our ‘MoT Recognized Service Provider’ programme, agents can use the Market Development Assistance (MDA) which includes financial support. MDA for domestic tourism was earlier Rs 30,000 which will be enhanced keeping the pandemic in mind. MoT is also working on relaxing certain requirements for this programme.

Read More »

Need to correct deficiencies to boost Buddhist tourist numbers: Prahlad Singh Patel

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C), Tourism & Culture, has said that in order to improve the number of Buddhist tourists coming to India, we should fill the deficiencies and make travel easier for them. Addressing a webinar by Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO), he said that we need to remove the obstacles for Buddhist tourists from coming to India and improve the numbers.

Read More »

MOT & Quality Council of India to certify tourism products

Meenakshi Sharma, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, has said that they have joined hands with the Quality Council of India (QCI), which is coming out with a certification based on a simple assessment and a small questionnaire to support and handhold all service providers in the tourism industry, from the smallest to the biggest. “We can say that if you have this certification, there is a high level of assurance, and it can create confidence. We are hoping that all the state governments and industry will support this initiative because that will create more confidence in the travellers and there will be one single voice saying that India is ready to receive customers,” she informed.

Read More »

MoT working with states to provide relief to tourism sector

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C), Tourism & Culture, has said that his ministry has encouraged state governments and Union Territory administrations to consider providing relief measures to the sector. These measures include waiver of penalty or interest to be levied on payment of dues owed to the state bodies, relief from excise fees, electricity duty, and reduction of property tax.

Read More »

MOT to liberalise MDA scheme, make norms easier

Providing major relief to tour operators, Meenakshi Sharma, DG Tourism, MOT, has said that the ministry is liberalising the MDA scheme (both local & international) by giving certain relaxations in the required norms. MOT will soon announce the changes officially. During the virtual IATO members meet, the association also released a promotional video which members can use to market India and restart tourism.

Read More »

PATA to organise Update & Outlook Meeting with MOT this month

Jatinder Taneja, Vice Chairman, PATA India Chapter, has revealed that they will start holding their EC meeting, webinars and an Update & Outlook Meeting with Ministry of Tourism (MOT) from this month. “PATA India Chapter has already planned and is starting with the EC meeting. We will also hold webinars and an Update & Outlook Meeting with the Ministry of Tourism from this month,” he shared.

Read More »

No for regulation, yes for collaboration with industry: Meenakshi Sharma

Meenakshi Sharma, Director General, Ministry of Tourism (MOT), claimed that she is against regulation and prefers collaboration with the industry. Speaking at 4th TravTalk Digital Conclave, she said, “I believe in partnering and working together. However, I would like a database to be created where we can connect with each other. I am against regulation, but all for collaboration. I would be very happy if the industry takes that initiative and bring everyone together, so that we can talk.”

Read More »

MOT working on certification for service providers to create confidence in tourists: Meenakshi Sharma

Meenakshi Sharma, Director General, Tourism, has said that after releasing the operational advisories in line with the SOPs by MHA and MHoFW, they are now working towards a certification for service providers to create confidence in tourists about their safety and health. Speaking at the 4th TravTalk Digital Conclave, she revealed, “We are working on some kind of certification, where we are going to say that a particular destination/ service provider/ facility is safe and hygienic, in order to create confidence amongst tourists.”

Read More »
error: Content is protected !!