Category Archives: Associations

Debjit Dutta, Chairman, IATO West Bengal Chapter, has clarified that the recent news reports of a 3-month tourist ban in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve that created panic across the trade is false. “Upon intervention by IATO West Bengal, the Forest Department has officially confirmed that the news is false and unverified. Such misinformation available on social media severely impacts tourism, disrupts local livelihoods, and damages the reputation of sensitive destinations. Media must verify facts with competent authorities before publishing,” he adds.

To boost tourism revival in Jammu and Kashmir, TAAI launched its ‘Rally for Valley’ campaign, showcasing solidarity and support for the region’s travel industry. Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI, said that the campaign will run for the next three months, till the end of September, with region-wide efforts to regain traveller confidence and strengthen tourism in Kashmir.

OTOAI announced the dates of its 6th Convention. The 3-day convention will be held in Moscow from 10 to 13 July. Experience the vibrant pulse of modern life at Red Square! Amidst the majestic architecture, history seamlessly intertwines with contemporary energy, creating a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary atmosphere of this legendary destination! See you at 6th OTOAI Convention in Moscow! Just 30 days to go!

To highlight the cultural, spiritual, and historical richness of Uttar Pradesh, the state’s tourism department will set up a pavilion at the upcoming Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart, scheduled to take place in Bangkok from 26 to 28 August. Positioned as a major international tourism platform, PATA helps tourist boards to attract global footfall.

Newly elected IATO office bearers, led by President Ravi Gosain, met Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI to invite him to the 40th IATO annual convention scheduled to be held in Puri from 22 to 25 August. The delegation discussed several key issues affecting inbound tourism. The minister assured support and said proactive steps by the ministry are already in progress.

India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, but overall profitability remains elusive not just for Indian carriers, but globally as well, said Marie Owens Thomsen, Chief Economist, IATA. Asia Pacific trails with a forecast of only $2.6 per pax. While India likely sits below the regional average due to high costs & competitive pricing, she added.

Skål International India will host its National Congress 2025 in Mumbai from 12–14 September under the theme ‘Future Forward: Tourism in an Evolving World.’ The event aims to strengthen India’s position on the global tourism stage, offering valuable exposure for Indian professionals while showcasing the country’s infrastructure, innovation, and cultural richness to international delegates.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), has revealed in the latest report that travel and tourism will contribute almost ₹42 trillion and about 64 million jobs to India’s economy by 2035. However, the country will need to invest more heavily in infrastructure and destination marketing to remain competitive and sustain the growth momentum in the sector, she added.

It has to make the longest and highest flight. And this flight will not only cross global borders but will also take the world in the direction of sustainability, green mobility, and equitable access. Friends, the handling capacity of our airports has reached 500 million passengers every year. India is one of the few countries in the world that is setting new standards for user experience through technology. We are focusing on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. We are moving towards sustainable aviation fuels.        

As per trends observed by IATO and discussion with every other FTA (Foreign Tourist Arrival) stakeholder, it is assessed by the body that FTA in India has not still not touched the 2019 level in the last financial year . While the importance of Inbound Tourism as a precious Foreign Exchange earner and Soft Diplomacy Tool cannot be over emphasised, India as a destination with such raw and natural beauty is performing way below its potential. To step up, IATO has written to PM where it has urged immediate budgetary allocation of Rs 1000 crore under Incredible India Campaign and formation of “India Tourism Board” under the PM’s leadership with the specific objective of increasing FTA’s. These measures are required as the coming season is a few months away and can help boost inbound tourism in this financial year. Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, says, “When global trade is facing unprecedented disruptions due to tariff wars and geopolitical shifts, tourism exports remain unaffected by such constraints. Unlike goods, India’s tourism export (i.e. foreign tourists spending in India), which is non-tariff based, brings direct foreign exchange earnings into the country. This positions inbound tourism as a stable, sustainable, and immediate contributor to India’s current account with valuable foreign exchange, employment generation and balances forex trade deficit. Yet , regretfully the country is lagging in its effort to attract foreign tourists”. Considering every foreign visitor to India becomes an ambassador of Indian culture, heritage, values and the immense multiplier impact it has in terms of employment generator and net revenue it earns, we still have not valued it as much as we should have. This sector alone has the potential to contribute 1-2 …