Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO said, “We are actively working to select a venue for next year’s convention. We are in discussions with Goa and Madhya Pradesh, and we are optimistic about a favourable outcome from Madhya Pradesh.”

José María Ridao, Ambassador, Embassy of Spain, New Delhi said, “To facilitate visa, we are trying to open a new consulate general in Bangalore and we are waiting for a green light from the Indian ministry. Through the new consulate in Bangalore, the pressure in Mumbai and Delhi would be less.”

Rajnish Kaistha, Senior Vice President and Chairman of the convention said that we have overwhelming response from the members and we  expect about 900-1000 delegates from all over the country to participate which will include senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and States, industry leaders, tourism and hospitality professionals, travel trade media. 

Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas informed that Kerala attracted 1,06,83,643 visitors from within the country in the first six months of this calendar year as compared to 88,95,593 in the corresponding period last year, clocking a robust 20.1 per cent increase, setting a record in domestic tourist footfall.

The Ministry of Tourism is launching a national competition on ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ to identify best practices and case studies aligned with the five priorities of the G20 Goa roadmap, which have successfully been implemented by states, destinations and industry stakeholders, and can be replicated and scaled up across the country. The competition will be launched on World Tourism Day on September 27. 

Manisha Saxena, DG, Tourism, has said that India just hosted the G20 summit, and offered a plethora of experiences to foreign delegates and ministers. “It is the right time to make use of that infrastructure and experiences, to attract tourists and organise MICE conferences in many cities of the country,” she added. 

According to consumer travel spend priorities research by Outpayce, travellers expect to spend significantly more on international travel during the coming year with average expected spend of US$3,422, an increase of US$753 per consumer, or 28%, compared to last year.   

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) will hold its national AGM as well as elections for the new term on September 2, 2023 in Mumbai. This will take place after all regional and chapter elections are over and new teams have been appointed. 

Kazin DMC announce its 3rd destination, Belarus, along with its inaugural luxury Fam trip to Minsk for key agents from September 23-27, 2023. The national airline, Belavia, and Hilton/Marriott hotels are proud partners. Belarus offers exceptional opportunities for family groups and high-end MICE events, providing an abundance of unique experiences and activities. With two weekly flights from Delhi, Belarus is more accessible than ever before. 

V Vidyavathi, Secretary Tourism said that the vibrant villages hold immense potential for adventure tourism. The Ministry of Tourism will soon arrange a meeting with the defence authorities to engage the youth from these vibrant villages in training them as adventure tourist guides. She also informed that the expenses associated with this training be fully covered by the ministry.