Category Archives: Associations

Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, highlighted, “The increase in the number of flights and routes will automatically reduce the airfares. It is always a demand-supply story. If the demand for flights is too much and the supply is less then fares will be at peak, but if it balances out, fares will come down on their own. Probably, the domestic market will keep on moving in the current scenario, but high fares can affect our inbound numbers. An international traveller in India compares it with other countries, which are cheaper than India at times. This is going to impact the international arrivals to India.”

Arshdeep Anand, Chairperson, ATOAI Women’s Collective, shared, “Increased air connectivity is directly proportional to increased tourism activity in a particular destination. Govt is making efforts to develop niche tourism in the country in the form of island tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, spiritual and wellness tourism. If our domestic carriers can come up with connectivity to develop these circuits, it would boost the tourism potential within the country. There is also a great demand-supply gap from India in relation to flights to Scandinavia for Northern lights, except to Finland and Copenhagen.

HRAWI has appealed to CM Shinde and Tourism Minister Mahajan to reassess recent regulatory measures in Pune. Terming the order u/s 144 as “draconian”, Pradeep Shetty HRAWI President said the order mandates establishments to manage guest behaviour, including prohibiting dancing in specific areas and driving after drinking.

A comprehensive Vision plan for 2024 has been released by FHRAI (Federation of Hotels & Restaurants Association of India) which includes the creation of the Center of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality and the return of the FHRAI Annual Convention from 16-18 October in Goa. The move aims to elevate industry standards, and cultivate excellence.

In its travel forecast, PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) has estimated that India will witness 1.7 million US visitors by the end of 2026, which is 111.9% more than the 2019 level, under the medium scenario. The latest PATA forecast sheds light on the swift recovery of international arrivals.

FHRAI jointly with the Hotel Association of India (HAI) is organising “Travel for LiFE – Tourism Sustainability Summit 2024” on 8th of March 2024, at Hotel Le-Meridien, New Delhi. This initiative is also supported by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (UK), Niti Aayog, Invest India and KPMG as Knowledge Partner. It will be attended by G. Kishan Reddy and Amitabh Kant and will explore sustainable tourism practices and global initiatives.

HRAWI recommends reform in GST framework for restaurants within hotel premises. “The sudden jump in GST from 5 per cent to 18 per cent when room rates exceed ₹7500/-, creates uncertainty for guests and places hotels at a disadvantage. We have submitted a representation to the Government,” said Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI.

Malaysia moves ahead to become the 4th largest source market for inbound travel in India as per the PATA report. It will climb to the 4th spot in 2024 from 7th rank in 2019, beating Australia. In mild scenario, International Visitor Arrivals (IVAs) from Malaysia to India is expected to go up by 176.7% in 2024.  

Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA highlights India’s unparalleled aircraft acquisition spree, with the country poised to witness the delivery of nearly three new aircraft per week over the next four years. This surge, coupled with initiatives like Air India’s restructuring, will enhance India’s competitiveness in the region.

The Indian market Is likely to double in the next five years, said Noor Ahmed Hamid, CEO of PATA, while speaking at a PATA India event in New Delhi. He said, “However, it will not reach the size of China and will remain the third-largest in the world. India is growing on the domestic front with its population propelling business of tourism in India.”