Category Archives: Associations

Asego has been appointed as the official travel protection partner for the 6th OTOAI Convention 2025 in Moscow. Offering comprehensive coverage to all delegates, the company ensures peace of mind for travel trade professionals. This collaboration underscores Asego’s commitment to supporting the industry with smart, reliable travel protection as stakeholders gather to shape the future of tourism.

Skål Delhi has become the world’s largest Skål club. Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, announced plans to expand from 19 to 36 clubs, covering every Indian state and union territory. With India now ranked second globally in Skål membership, just 15 members behind the USA, the goal is to strengthen tourism industry collaboration.

The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI celebrated excellence at its 5th Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards on 26th June 2025 at Della Resorts & Adventures, Lonavala. Graced by Chief Guest Shri Mohamed Farouk – Regional Director (Western Region), India Tourism Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the event recognized pioneers reshaping Lonavala and Khandala’s hospitality and culinary identity through innovation, sustainability and leadership. Among the distinguished recipients was the Late Subhash Thakker, the pioneer behind Dukes Retreat, Khandala recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Maganlal & Sons, the iconic Lonavala Chikki brand founded in the 1880s at a railway cart, now a four-generation legacy of authentic taste and tradition, and Cooper’s Fudge & Chikkis, the family-run Lonavala institution since the 1950s were bestowed with Founder’s Excellence in Regional Cuisine. Jimmy Mistry (Della Group), the Creator of Sky Garden – India’s first levitating fine-dining experience 150 ft. above ground, was recognized with Innovation in Dining Award as well as with the Best Adventure Resorts Award for Della Adventure Park, which is India’s largest extreme adventure destination. Kishore Keswani MD & Founder of Kailash Parbat Hotel was recognized for his Outstanding Contribution in the hotels category. The award for the Best Iconic Hotel in Lonavala was bagged by the Fariyas Resort and The Fern – An Ecotel Hotel was awarded the Best Hotel in Lonavala. Rhythm Hospitality, the innovator of the ResiTel model was recognized as Best Boutique Resort in Lonavala while Mr Madhav Todi Director of Triose Boutique Hotel was awarded the Sustainable Hospitality Award for the championing of green practices including solar energy, zero plastic, rainwater harvesting and waste recycling. Ikshana Resort & Spa won the …

The OTOAI Convention is set to host its 6th edition in the vibrant city of Moscow. This prestigious event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to shape the future of travel. Asego is proud to be a part of this illustrious gathering as OTOAI’s preferred Global Assistance and Travel Insurance partner, providing comprehensive travel protection to all delegates attending this convention. In today’s unpredictable travel environment, having a relevant travel protection solution is a vital safeguard against cancellations, booking disruptions, and unforeseen emergencies. For travel trade professionals who rely on seamless travel amidst their busy schedules, Asego’s protection offers crucial relief and peace of mind during their journeys. This underscores Asego’s commitment to supporting the travel trade with reliable and smart Travel protection solutions that keep the industry moving forward with confidence.

Expressing concern on the recent proposal to increase excise duty on liquor in Maharashtra, HRAWI in a letter to Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM & Minister of Finance & Excise, Maharashtra, said the proposed hike is expected to cause a sharp rise in the retail prices of alcoholic beverages reportedly between 14% to 60% across various categories, with the steepest increase in IMFL.

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) had the honour of meeting Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Cabinet Minister for Culture & Tourism , to discuss key matters impacting India’s outbound tourism industry. The discussion focused on the TCS (Tax Collected at Source) issue, where the Minister gave his valuable time and attention to the concerns raised by the OTOAI delegation. The meeting reflected the Ministry’s openness to dialogue and the importance of supporting the travel trade sector. OTOAI also extended a formal invitation to the Minister to attend the upcoming OTOAI Moscow Convention 2025 as the Guest of Honour, further strengthening the association’s vision of collaboration with the government. The meeting was represented by OTOAI leadership, including Immediate Past President Riaz Munshi, Vice President Shravan Bhalla, General Secretary Sidharth Khanna, and Executive Committee Member Vineet Gopal. This marks another significant step in OTOAI’s efforts to advocate for India’s growing outbound tourism industry.

With the support of its members in Bihar, ADTOI has launched its fifteenth state chapter at a ceremony on 28th June 2025 in Patna. It was attended by state govt. officials, stakeholders of the industry from the state, ADTOI MC Team led by Ved Khanna, President, and members from Bihar. Nand Kishore, MD Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation of Patna was the Chief Guest. This initiative of ADTOI shall make the Chapter Office Bearers to work closely with the State Tourism authorities and stakeholders in the State to bring more domestic tourists to the state. The Chapter Chairman is Prabhat Kumar, Visit Bihar Destination Management, Secretary is Rajesh Kumar, Indian Tourist Bureau, the Treasurer is Sachin Sharma, Shyam Forex Tours & Travels. Khanna in his address emphasised the necessity of having State Chapter for coordination with State Tourism authorities and the stakeholders in the State to bring winds of change in the progressive growth of tourism that will bring economic benefits to the state in many ways. Members are requested to extend their full support to our Bihar Chapter in promoting the destinations in the State among the domestic tourists to increase the tourist traffic in the State. The association has also signed an MoU with Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority to jointly organise ‘ANDHRA PRADESH – ADTOI NATIONAL TOURISM MART-2025 from 17-19 September 2025 in Visakhapatnam. This initiative aims to position Andhra Pradesh as a leading destination for domestic tourism and will serve as a unique platform for industry stakeholders, tour operators and travel professionals to collaborate and showcase the diverse tourism offerings of the region.

Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural edition of ETAA Business Partners Meet 2024 which brought together over 100 travel agents and 25+ B2B partners including international and domestic tourism boards, hotels, DMCs, and VFS Global, the Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) is excited to announce the 2025 edition of this highly anticipated event on July 11, 2025 in Mumbai. Dharmesh Advani, ETAA National Board Member, shares, “This year, the response has been even more enthusiastic—all tables were sold out within two weeks. The event will feature engaging and informative presentations by Global Destinations, along with participation from leading DMCs, Malaysian tourism board, Airlines, and VFS. Our official insurance partner, Asego, will also be present to guide attendees on comprehensive travel insurance solutions.” The event is open to both ETAA Members and Non-Members — all B2C travel agents are welcome! Contact Abhijit Khadilkar at +919820092837 for more details or register directly here.

The 3-day OTOAI convention scheduled for 10 to 13 July in Moscow is just 10 days away!

FHRAI has announced revised dates for its 55 Annual Convention, now scheduled from 18-20 September at Conrad Bengaluru, instead of the earlier 12-14 September. The event will bring together over 1,000 industry leaders to chart the future of Indian hospitality through innovation, sustainability and collaboration.