Category Archives: Associations

“NIMA Members and other M!CE operators sitting in tier II, III cities are contributing a lot to the M!CE business. Business from these cities has increased by 15 – 20 per cent as compared to 2022 – 2023,” says Gajesh Girdhar, Founder & National Coordinator, NIMA (Network of Indian M!CE Agents).

With FY2024 closing, CAPA India has released preliminary figures for actual full-year traffic. Domestic traffic reached an estimated 153.4mn pax, compared with our projection of 160mn at the start of the year, and 155mn in our mid-year update. International traffic reached an estimated 69.7mn pax, compared with our projection of 72-74mn at the start of the year, and 70mn in our mid-year update. Both domestic and international traffic volumes exceeded their pre-COVID highs (which were actually set in FY2019) for the first time.

In a significant development, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India has initiated legal action to seek appropriate remedies for hotel members affected by adverse provisions from the Delhi HC for the hospitality sector from the DGFT. “The hospitality sector must receive fair treatment under the Foreign Trade Policy,” said Pradeep Shetty, President, FHRAI.

Over the past decade, tourism has embraced sustainability as a strategic pillar. A WTTC report shows that 42% of leading tourism companies globally have set a climate target – either interim, long-term, or both. As sustainable business practices gain traction around the world, companies must increasingly consider the concerns of stakeholders – travellers seeking eco-friendly destinations, and communities concerned about their future.   Tour operators Emissions from tour operators vary across the sector, depending on how asset-light or asset-heavy they are. Some operators express concerns about limitations they encountered regarding infrastructure at destinations, while others are investing in sustainability initiatives. But the current infrastructure and technology at some destinations are not developed enough for those investments to yield results in the short term. For example, some tour operators want to invest in electric buses, but current EV coach battery life is inadequate for longer tours. Travel agencies and OTAs Travel agents — both brick-and-mortar and online — interact with a variety of industry players, from suppliers to destinations, and influence consumer choices. They are well-placed to help the industry achieve its sustainability goals, though these efforts are complicated by the new reporting frameworks. OTAs and travel tech companies more broadly are not easily classified, as they often fall in the software sector rather than tourism. As such, they also lack specific guidance on how to tackle sustainability issues relating to their travel operations. They will likely have to consult sector-based guides, such as for car rental and leasing, hotel and lodging, and airlines. Accommodation One complicating factor for hotel chains is the industry’s range of business models and ownership structures. Many operate under franchise agreements with multiple levels of control, …

Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI has said that their upcoming convention is poised to achieve big goals in tourism, “Our convention in Goa aims to drive growth in a sustainable manner, aligning with India’s vision of achieving 100 mn tourists by 2047 and a $3 tn hospitality tourism economy.” he added.

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, said, “By 2035, India is projected to provide 30 per cent of the world’s skilled manpower, a number of our experts in various sectors like hospitality will emerge from India. It is not just about producing manpower; it is about producing the best talent.” He was speaking at WTTCII event.

Addressing PATA International Conference on Women in Travel in Bohol, Philippines, Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA, shared, “There should be equality, parity and equal representation for all tourism stakeholders including women. PATA is committed to advancing the role of women in tourism.”

The India State Ranking Survey published by WTTCII with Hotelivate reveals state expenditure witnessed a 25% growth in 2022-23 compared to 2018-19, capital expenditure on tourism surged by almost 120%, and revenue expenditure increased by 14% during the same period.

More than a year ago, Sharzede Datu HJ. Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board, welcomed about 500 TAFI members to her state for the association’s annual convention. Since then, she has seen a rise in visitors from India. She said, “We have seen great results from hosting the TAFI convention in 2022 in Sarawak; the numbers from India have increased. In fact, December 2023 received one of the highest numbers of Indian visitors to Sarawak.”

Hotel Association of India has elected its new Executive Committee, and KB Kachru, Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group is the new President of the prestigious association for a two-year term. Vice President is Rohit Khosla, Executive Vice President, IHCL; JK Mohanty, MD Swosti Group is the Hony. Secretary and Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels, is the new Hony. Treasurer for the association. Two new EC members include Shashank Bhagat, MD, Radisson Blu Marina Hotel and Sonali Chauhan, General Manager, IHCL.