Category Archives: Associations

The New Zealand travel and tourism industry is facing a storm as the government’s recent decisions on visa fees and the International Visitor Levy (IVL) threaten to derail its recovery efforts. The double whammy has significantly increased the cost of visiting the country, making it less attractive to international travellers. According to Dr. Xie Xingquan, Regional Vice President, IATA, North Asia and Asia-Pacific, the combined impact of these changes could delay the return of visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels well beyond 2026. This is a major setback for the industry, which is a crucial contributor to the New Zealand economy. IATA had strongly opposed the increase in the IVL during the public consultation process for the IVL, arguing that it would harm the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. Unfortunately, the government ignored these concerns and applied the levy in the 2024 budget despite ongoing discussions. Dr. Xie also expressed concern about the lack of transparency regarding the allocation of funds collected through the IVL. He urged the government to consider investing these resources in initiatives that support the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. As the industry struggles with these challenges, it is clear that the government’s approach to tourism policy needs to be reassessed. By fostering a more welcoming environment for international travellers, New Zealand can position itself as a leading destination and drive economic growth.

In a recent announcement, Puneet Chhatwal, CEO, IHCL, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to enhancing the tourism industry. He stated, “We will increase the commissions from 10% by 25%, which means they will go to 12.5% for all of you.” This exclusive incentive is available to IATO members only.

Speaking at the 39th IATO Convention, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary,  Culture and Tourism, Madhya Pradesh, said that the state will develop 50 offbeat destinations to boost tourism along with training over 40,000 women in tourism-related jobs to boost employment.

Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI & FHRAI won the DDP Trailblazer award at the India Travel Awards. Upon receiving the award, he said, “Awards like these play a vital role in boosting the morale of the younger generation and inspiring them to consider careers in hospitality. This recognises the efforts made by the hospitality industry at large, by the owners and associations, all of whom are behind me and supporting me. It also inspires us to do much more.”

Addressing the inaugural session of the 39th IATO Annual Convention that witnessed around 1,200 delegates, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, GoI, said, “We need to understand the changing needs of tourists and need to develop products and new destinations from the perspective of the people. With growing opportunities, India is going to become the largest market for tourism in the world.”

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Annual Convention is set to kick off in Bhopal today. With over 1,000 participants expected, the convention aims to generate significant takeaways for IATO’s membership, advance inbound tourism for Madhya Pradesh, and enhance the marketing of the state’s destinations in alignment with state government policies.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) successfully concluded its 47th annual PATA Travel Mart (PTM) in Bangkok, Thailand. Held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the event served as a crucial platform for high-caliber buyers and sellers from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond.   Key Insights Over 900 delegates participated, including 266 exhibitors and 191 buyers representing 45 destinations and 31 source markets. The event emphasised sustainable tourism development, innovative marketing strategies, and strategic partnerships within the Asia Pacific tourism industry. PTM 2024 reaffirmed Thailand’s position as a leading MICE destination and travel hub. The PATA Knowledge Forum offered valuable insights on navigating the evolving tourism landscape, covering topics like responsible tourism, digital transformation, and emerging consumer trends. A new initiative, the PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair, connected aspiring tourism professionals with industry leaders. The PATA Gold Awards recognised excellence in destination marketing, sustainable tourism practices, and innovative tourism products. What This Means for You? PTM 2024 underscores the resurgence of Asia Pacific tourism and the growing demand for authentic travel experiences. The event provided a platform for building valuable business connections and exploring new market opportunities. Insights from the Knowledge Forum can help you adapt and thrive in the changing tourism landscape by implementing sustainable practices, leveraging digital technology, and understanding consumer preferences. New talent entering the industry offers a positive outlook for the future of tourism in the region.

SKAL International Pune, in collaboration with TAAI, TAFI, IIHM and PHA, is set to host “Pedal for a Purpose,” a unique cycle marathon on 22 September, 2024, aimed at bringing together the travel fraternity and their families for a day of fun, networking and social impact. Pedals United for a Meaningful Impact This monumental event will mark the beginning of World Tourism Week celebrations in Pune and is designed to create a meaningful social impact on the city. Participants will embark on a dynamic 15-20 km cycling journey through central Pune,  with impactful stopovers dedicated to various social causes including, road safety, tree planting and reducing plastic use. Purpose Beyond the Finish Line “Pedal for a Purpose” is about more than just cycling. It is a platform for the travel fraternity to come together and make a difference. The day will conclude with a grand celebration featuring food, games, music and a flea zone, providing ample opportunities for networking and socialising. Join SKAL Pune in Pedalling a Difference If you’re a part of the travel and tourism industry in Pune, don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while celebrating the spirit of travel. Join “Pedal for a Purpose” on 22 September, 2024 and be a part of something truly special.

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) concluded its highly anticipated webinar on 27 August 2024,  titled “Safe Journeys: Enhancing Women’s Safety in Tourism.” Organised by the ATOAI Women’s Collective and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the event marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of safer travel for women. The event saw a robust attendance from various segments of the travel trade, including tour operators, travel agents, and hospitality professionals. Representatives from state tourism departments, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, also participated, underscoring the significance of the event. Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in her opening remarks, emphasised the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for women, both as travellers and professionals within the tourism industry. She highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to addressing safety concerns and promoting gender equality across all levels of the sector. The distinguished panel of experts, Hannah Pearson, Regional Director APAC, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Dilshad Master Kumar, Director Bull’s Adventures & Outward-Bound India Himalaya, Outdoors Leader, TEDx Speaker and Mohit Aggarwal, CEO, Asian Adventures shared profound insights and forward-thinking strategies on safeguarding women in the tourism sector. The discussion left participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in enhancing women’s safety within this industry. The key takeaways from the session included several critical areas essential for advancing women’s safety in tourism: First, the importance of adhering to internationally recognised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) was emphasised. These guidelines help ensure consistent and reliable safety practices across different regions and sectors, creating a unified approach that travellers and service providers can trust. Second, the …

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is proud to announce an upcoming webinar, organized by the ATOAI Women’s Collective with support from the Ministry of Tourism titled “Safe Journeys: Enhancing Women’s Safety in Tourism” In an era where the safety and well-being of female travelers are at the forefront of global discussions, this webinar aims to address and enhance strategies for ensuring safe and secure travel environments for women. Bringing together some of the most distinguished experts from the tourism industry, the session promises to be both enlightening and impactful. The session will feature a panel of distinguished speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. Our panel of experts will share insights, tools, and resources that can help us all contribute to a safer travel experience for everyone. Join us for this insightful panel discussion on Tuesday, 27th August 2024, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Distinguished Panelists: Hannah Pearson, Regional Director APAC, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) A pioneering force in Asia’s tourism landscape, Hannah Pearson brings over a decade of expertise in travel startups and consulting. Her groundbreaking reports and co-hosting of The South East Asia Travel Show underscore her role as a leading authority in Southeast Asian tourism. Dilshad Master Kumar, Director Bull’s Adventures & Outward Bound India Himalaya, Outdoors Leader, TEDx Speaker With a trailblazing career spanning 23 years, Dilshad Master Kumar is a transformative figure in media and adventure. From her trailblazing media ventures to her leadership in high-altitude treks, including Everest and Siachen, Dilshad’s TEDx talks and work with Bull’s Adventures & Outward Bound India Himalaya epitomize resilience and empowerment. Mohit Aggarwal, CEO, Asian Adventures An influential advocate for conservation and …