Category Archives: Associations

Thanking the government for considering its appeal for earmarking an ECLGS for the sector, Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, VP, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “The decision to approve an additional ECLGS worth Rs.50,000 Cr specifically for hospitality and tourism sectors is welcome. The additional line of credit was much needed by the hospitality sector which is still grappling with massive debts and is simultaneously trying to keep business running. Several hospitality establishments cannot sustain operations without sufficient liquidity, but the extended ECLGS could help businesses buy some more time to keep the wheels in motion.”

According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism saw a strong rebound in the first five months of 2022, with almost 250 million international arrivals recorded. This compares to 77 million arrivals from January to May 2021 and means that the sector has recovered almost half (46%) of pre-pandemic 2019 levels. “The recovery of tourism has gathered pace in many parts of the world, weathering the challenges standing in its way,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. He also advises caution in view of the “economic headwinds and geopolitical challenges which could impact the sector in the remainder of 2022 and beyond.”

TAFI has recently announced a new chapter in Jammu Kashmir. This will be its 12th one in the country so far. Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Tourism, said the initiative will help tourism. He said, “TAFI did not have a presence here until now. They also met some of our local tour operators and many of them have also become TAFI members now. I’m sure this will boost tourism here and the trade will benefit.”

TAFI to host their convention in Kuching, Malaysia with 700 delegates from 20-23 September 2022. Exclusively for the members, it will have 550 TAFI members and 200 Malaysian delegates. “We want to educate the members, add value to the people who attend the convention and improve the business”, said Anil Kalsi, Joint Secretary, TAFI.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced passenger data for June 2022 showing a strong recovery. In terms of the domestic passenger market, India constitutes 2.2 percent of the global share, it revealed. Demand for air travel remains strong. “After two years of lockdowns and border restrictions people are taking advantage of the freedom to travel wherever they can,” said Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA.

NIMA held M!CE Forum 2022 in Jaipur from 29-31 July. Anand K Tripathi, Addl. Director, Rajasthan Tourism said that M!CE has huge potential. Jagdeep Bhagat, National Coordinator, NIMA, said, “The event offered a good networking opportunity to the members from across India. The idea behind this forum is to update the members about the opportunities in the industry and what’s going on in the world.”

MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, Hotel Association of India (HAI), has said that for some time to come, domestic tourism will continue to be the driving force. “Expansion of accommodation and access will be crucial factor to sustain this tempo of domestic tourism,” he added.

Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the Secretary General, UNWTO, has said that the rate of growth in India is fantastic. “International travel opened in India in March this year, and it’s the domestic market that’s lifted the base line of travel activity.”

The NIMA MICE Forum 2022 is scheduled to be held from July 29-31 at Crown Plaza in Jaipur. Speaking about the event, Jagdeep Bhagat, National Coordinator, Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) said that the 3-day event will provide a good networking opportunity to its members. The idea behind this forum is to update members about opportunities in the industry. It will also have panel discussions, product showcases, and networking opportunities among the Indian MICE fraternity.

According to the WTTC Annual Research INDIA, the domestic visitor’s spend in India in 2021 was close to 2019 levels. The figures revealed that it was $155.8 billion in 2019 and 151.1 billion in 2021. In 2020, however, it was only $97 billion.