Category Archives: Associations

Speaking at the panel discussion on New Horizons in Jammu & Kashmir at the 17th ATOAI Convention, Waseem Raja, Joint Director, J&K Tourism, said, “We should sign an MoU with ATOAI for skill upgradation in adventure tourism.” He noted that a growing number of youths in Jammu & Kashmir have recently taken up adventure tourism as a profession, adding that “skill upgrading is what we need to focus on”.

Speaking at the 2nd IEIA EventTech & MarTech Summit 2025 in Delhi, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, MoT, said India’s MICE sector needs better structural alignment rather than more infrastructure. The ministry’s plan to establish city-level MICE Convention Promotion Bureaus to bring government and industry together, bundle offerings, and enable competitive bidding, he added. Under the model, bids will be endorsed by state governments and matched with central government support, encouraging grassroots-led growth and adoption of technology, including artificial intelligence.

Announcing a membership initiative at the 17th ATOAI Annual Convention, Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, said that adventure tour operators from Jammu & Kashmir joining ATOAI in 2026 will not be required to pay any joining or annual membership fee. The move aims to support local operators, enhance industry participation, and aid the growth of organised adventure tourism in the region.

Addressing the 17th ATOAI Convention, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir, cautioned that climate change is a serious and immediate threat to adventure tourism, particularly skiing and glacier-based activities. “I can’t sell Gulmarg as a skiing destination if I don’t have snow. I can’t sell glaciers for ice climbing or mountaineering if those glaciers are melting before our eyes,” he said. Highlighting shrinking ski seasons and receding glaciers, Abdullah stressed the need for responsible and sustainable tourism. He said protecting fragile ecosystems is essential to ensure adventure tourism remains viable for future generations.

Underlining one of the major developments of his association in 2025, Sunil Kumar, National President, TAAI, says, “We have re-started our major initiative of the Industry Connect Program. The first phase is to get our large membership network active and transact. This initiative will see bigger results in 2026. Our Industry Connect Program also witnessed TAAI organising its Women of Wonder Awards programme for the 75 distinguished women leaders in 2025 across India.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in its just released Global Outlook, updated its analysis of aerospace supply chain bottlenecks noting that aircraft availability remains one of the most significant constraints on industry growth. While deliveries of new aircraft began to pick up in late 2025 and production is expected to accelerate in 2026, demand is forecast to outstrip the availability of aircraft and engines. “Airlines are feeling the impact of the aerospace supply chain challenges across their business. Higher leasing costs, reduced scheduling flexibility, delayed sustainability gains and increased reliance on suboptimal aircraft types are the most obvious challenges. Airlines are missing opportunities to strengthen their top-line, improve their environmental performance and serve customers. Meanwhile travellers are seeing higher costs from the resulting tighter demand/supply conditions. No effort should be spared to accelerate solutions before the impact becomes even more acute,” said Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA.

TAAI organised a joint chapter meeting of Northern and South – Tamil Nadu at Delhi’s Gandhi Smriti, encouraging travel professionals to explore heritage venues for industry gatherings. The association has begun hosting meetings at culturally significant locations, including the PM’s Museum, to help members experience sites they can promote in itineraries. Leaders noted rising interest from South Indian members and growing participation nationwide.  

Addressing TAAI members, Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman, Gandhi Smriti & Former Union Minister, highlighted Delhi’s tourism potential and heritage conservation. He outlined efforts to restore historic mansions, including UNESCO-awarded Dharampura Haveli, and shared details of upcoming redevelopment plans for Chandni Chowk, backed by ₹100 crore in government support. He encouraged the travel trade to promote heritage sites and support improvement initiatives.

Skål International India has expanded its presence in Jammu & Kashmir with the launch of its 20th club ‘Skål International Kashmir’ at Taj Dal View, Srinagar, inaugurated by Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, J&K. Expressing confidence in the strengthened tourism movement, he said, “Kashmir welcomes Skål International with open arms — together, we will invite the world to rediscover our peace, beauty, and hospitality. Any B2B networking is good for the Kashmir economy. Tourism is our key business, and Skål International India is doing excellent work — we are happy to see Kashmir in the spotlight for Skål International India.” Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, said, “Our goal is to establish at least one club in every State and UT — and even multiple clubs where the industry size demands it.” The ceremony followed official Skål protocols, including the oath and pinning of office-bearers and founder members, certificate presentations, recognition of tourism contributors, and messages of solidarity from Skål leaders. Office Bearers — Skål International Kashmir President — Sk Zahoor Ahmad Qari Vice President 1 — Sk Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon Vice President 2 — Sk Shamim A Shah Secretary — Sk Ather Yameen Narwari Treasurer — Sk Mir Anwar Membership Development Officer — Sk Tanveer Ahmad Khan Director — PR, Communications & CSR — Sk Irshad Hazari Auditor — Sk Rahil Patloo

Speaking at a recent PATA webinar, Simon Moriarty, VP – Syndicated Research, MMGY Global, outlined how shifting priorities are influencing travel to and within India. “Safety and political stability are the two major drivers shaping travel choices today,” he noted. “Travellers want to explore beauty, food, culture, but they want to do so in places where they feel safe and comfortable.” MMGY Global’s data shows that 34% of global travellers are interested in visiting India over the next two years, and this rises significantly among Indian travellers themselves. “More than half of Indian consumers — 53% — are more interested in travelling within India this year than they were a year ago,” Moriarty said. “That speaks to increased confidence in domestic tourism and a growing awareness of experiences available on their doorstep.”