Category Archives: Associations

Voicing concern at the increase of 5 per cent in VAT on liquor, HRAWI has urged the govt. to reconsider the decision in light of the concerns including the impact on tourism and the State’s revenues, loss of business to hospitality establishments and the possibility of bootlegging, among others.

The 5th OTOAI Convention 2023 is set to take place from 24-27 November in Nairobi, Kenya. Speaking about the significance of this convention, Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, emphasised that members will gain experience and valuable opportunities during and after their visit. This will help promote it in an improved way and be able to generate better revenue.

An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, (MPTB) and The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) in Bhopal today to strengthen, promote and develop cooperation in research, promotion and tourism development in Madhya Pradesh. MPTB and IATO agreed to assist each other to promote tourism to the state by organizing travel visits to destination of Madhya Pradesh; Organizing familiarization trips of Madhya Pradesh; Marketing & Awareness through all possible means; Exchange of publication, reports and other academic materials; Co-organize Travel and Tourism trade events/exhibitions; and Promoting Tourism Destinations through Media and PR. MPTB shall provide Madhya Pradesh Tourism specific brochures and publicity materials to IATO which IATO will share with its large membership base and foreign tour operators through its members in order to promote tourism destinations in Madhya Pradesh and rural tourism destinations. IATO will also  share the information with potential investors in IATO membership for Capital Investment subsidy for creation of Tourism infrastructure and to establish Tourism Projects etc. by way of investment and interest subsidy with an intention to promote investment in Madhya Pradesh. IATO will also share the information with the foreign tour operators through its members regarding Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy and motivate foreign filmmakers through FTOs to shoot films in location of Madhya Pradesh and get all the available benefits. The MoU was signed by Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Managing Director – Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) and Mr. Rajiv Mehra Mehra, President – Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).  Shri Vivek Shrotriya, IAS, Additional Managing Director- MPTB, Mr. Yuvraj Padole, Deputy Director- MPTB, Mr. Ravi Gosain, Vice President – IATO and Mr. Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman – …

In a novel initiative aimed at making Assam’s vibrant tourism industry more inclusive, the Tour Operators Association of Assam (TOAA) and Shishu Sarothi, a leading non-profit organization working for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote accessible tourism in Assam. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Jayanta Malla Baruah, Hon’ble Minister, Tourism and Shri Rituparna Baruah, Chairman, Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ATDCL) on the occasion of the World Tourism Day celebrations of the Govt. of Assam on 27th September with a marathon “Run for heritage” in Sivasagar. This collaboration reflects the commitment of both organizations to create an environment where everyone, including persons with disabilities, can enjoy the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse experiences that Assam has to offer. Under the MoU, TOAA and Shishu Sarothi will work closely together to develop and implement strategies that enhance accessibility and inclusivity in the tourism sector. Key components of this partnership include sensitization and awareness trainings for tourism professionals to raise awareness about the needs and preferences of travelers with disabilities, ensuring a welcoming and accommodating environment; promotion and providing support for the development of accessible infrastructure and amenities at various tourist destinations across Assam; promotion of employment opportunities of persons with disabilities in the tourism sector; and undertaking collaborative activities to highlight Assam as an inclusive and accessible tourist destination, attracting a wider range of visitors. Debajit Borah, President of TOAA expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We believe that Accessible tourism is an integral part of the broader themes of tourism and green investment due to its alignment with inclusivity, sustainability, economic benefits, environmental considerations, legal compliance, positive …

Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO said, “We are actively working to select a venue for next year’s convention. We are in discussions with Goa and Madhya Pradesh, and we are optimistic about a favourable outcome from Madhya Pradesh.”

The market for India’s outbound tourism is on upward trajectory and shows an impressive rise. Gajesh Girdhar, Chairman, NIMA, mentioned, “The market is set to reach $15 bn in 2023, with anticipated 11.4% CAGR by 2032. The growth is driven by Indians especially millennial”.   

Peter Semone, Chairman, PATA, has said that PTM 2023 has attracted over 1000 delegates from 46 global destinations, which includes 159 sellers from 92 organisations and 15 destinations, along with 196 buyers from 191 organisations and 38 source markets.

Speaking at the PATA Travel Mart in New Delhi, Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA, said, “India is a very important source market for the tourism industry, not only because it has a huge population base, but more importantly, because of the recent announcement by PM Modi of the ‘Travel for Life’ concept of sustainability and caring for the earth which resonates well with entire global industry.

On the occasion of World Tourism Day (WTD), the UNWTO revealed this week its global campaign, ‘Tourism Opens Minds’, in a universal pledge to address the challenges facing the tourism sector.  This global initiative presents an opportunity to rediscover the way people travel and encourages tourists to venture into a wider range of destinations, to open their minds and hearts to places they haven’t previously imagined visiting. A YouGov survey released earlier this week showed that while 66% of travellers prefer familiar destinations over exploring new horizons, 83% report that the experience of traveling to new places, broadened their perspective and enabled them to develop a better understanding of other cultures.

After a hiatus of three years, the physical edition of the PATA Travel Mart commences today in New Delhi at International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan. The Mart is scheduled to take place from 4-6 October, bringing together tourism professionals from across the world.