Category Archives: Associations

Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), the policy federation of all the national associations representing the complete tourism, travel and hospitality industry of India (ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI) & cause partner AIRDA in association with Ministry of Tourism and KPMG as its Knowledge Partner, kick-started it’s annual India Tourism Mart (ITM) with a physical inauguration today. India Tourism Mart – ITM, which is a buyer-seller meet is taking place in a virtual format from 18th – 20th Feb 2021. In his inaugural address, Subhash Goyal, Chairman – ITM 2021 and Hony. Secretary, FAITH emphasised how the year gone by was the darkest in the history of mankind and tourism was the worst hit where the travel fraternity was literally left hanging from a thread. He urged the industry to come together and consolidate their efforts for the revival of tourism in India. “For us to revive the tourism industry and save millions of jobs, we look forward three key actions from our policymakers – re-starting of e-tourist visas; reinstatement of scheduled international flights, at least to those countries with which India has air-bubble arrangements, with the necessary precautions on safety to allow willing travellers the opportunity to travel again and modification of policies to help subsidise or reduce the financial burden on the sector.” Reiterating Goyal’s viewpoint, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India said, “We have already started issuing medical visas and we are planning to soon restart E-Tourist Visas and schedule International flights in a phased manner. On a reciprocal basis, first with those countries with whom we have an air bubble agreement. …

TAFI’s Western India Chapter organised a meet-up at Sula Wines, Nashik with about 45 members attended the event, led by Chapter Chairman Jitul Mehta, where they tasted wine and learnt about wine making and bottling from Sula experts. The team also discussed its agenda on the future of travel and the update on current scenario in terms of business.

Speaking on the sidelines of ADTOI’s annual convention at Kevadia, PP Khanna, President, ADTOI, said, “We should all go for ‘Vocal for Local’ and bring make all efforts to promote domestic tourism. Gujarat Tourism has developed Kevadia and it is one of the best upcoming MICE facility in the country. The city has everything – all amenities and great connectivity. MICE travel in India should be incentivised. This is the time to grab all corporates from India for events.”

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, in his address at the 10th ADTOI Convention has said that Kevadia is the most powerful example of how tourism can improve the standard of living of all. He also added that things are returning to normal in the last quarter of this financial year, adding that 2020 was unprecedented in many ways. Singh also informed that constant discussions are going on with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Health Ministry to relax the ban on tourist visas and the right decision will be taken in this matter when the appropriate time comes.

PATA India Chapter team had a meeting with Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, who would also be the Chairman, PATA India Chapter. There were discussions on important matters in inbound travel, and some of the points included that there is a need to promote summer markets as soon as possible, which shall be supported with virtual roadshows. The team also suggested free visa for tourists for a year; and reduced entrance fee to monuments that will attract tourists.

Sharing his immediate agenda if elected as the new President of IATO, Rajiv Mehra, MD, Uday Tours & Travel said he will get the membership fee waived off for members for 2021-2022 as soon as possible. Another priority he mentioned is a WhatsApp group within 7 days post results, where members can get all important information and communication from the association. He further  said that his team’s target is to get SEIS for the tour operators for the next 5 years by getting it included in Foreign Trade Policy 2021-25 and to remove the requirement of minimum Rs. 2 crores turnover of foreign exchange earnings in MDA Guidelines for overseas promotion

ADTOI, with support from MOT, is all set to kick-off its 10th Annual Convention today with support from Ministry of Tourism at Kevadia, Gujarat. The inauguration ceremony will start at 5pm today, and will be graced by the presence of Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State, Tourism & Culture. The business sessions will begin tomorrow, which will see Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism addressing a session on ‘Role of Aviation in Promotion of Tourism’. Rupinder Brar, ADG, Tourism will moderate a session on ‘Technology is Future-Travel Real from Virtual’.

TAAI, along with DDP Group has launched a new avenue and stream for women called Women in TAAI and Travel (WITT). Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, says that the reason behind this initiative is to empower the women in the industry, and make sure they are represented well. Mayal believes that travel and tourism can provide women with a plethora of opportunities. “We have already tied up with the MOT and FICCI FLO, to see how we can encourage more women to come in front, and at all levels,” she said.

After being completely ignored in the latest Union Budget 2021, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing disappointment and has sought his meeting. The apex hospitality association has conveyed dismay and disappointment on the gross neglect shown to the hospitality sector in the Budget. The FHRAI has stated its disbelief on the 19 per cent retrenchment in the budget allocation for the Ministry of Tourism at a time when the sector is facing the worst crisis for tourism. In the absence of a sector-specific stimulus package, at least 30 to 40 per cent restaurants and 20 to 30 per cent hotels in the country are facing imminent shut down of business, resulting into millions of job losses. “We are really disheartened to see that tourism and hospitality – the biggest casualty of the COVID19 pandemic have been continuously ignored by the Government ever since the pandemic hit the country. It did not even find a mention in the Budget presented by the Finance Minister. The FHRAI has been vociferously advocating for some real relief measures to help the sector come out of the biggest crisis. Despite our numerous representations over the last ten months and multiple meetings with the highest echelons in the Government, the Hospitality sector has been blatantly ignored. The Prime Minister has always been a strong proponent of India’s tourism potential. We are hoping that he will understand and offer a remedy for the industry’s concerns for which we have sought a meeting with him,” says Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Vice President, FHRAI.

With a special package of Rs 300 crore received from Centre to celebrate its independence from Portuguese rule, Goa government now may have to part with some of it for tourism. Nilesh Shah, President of Travel & Tourism Association of Goa, says “We hope 50 per cent of this fund is allocated to tourism.” There is no clarity on when the funds would be disbursed and if they would come for any specific purpose.