Category Archives: Associations

According to a new World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) report, smart border management (SBM) could boost the global economy by adding $401 billion in GDP and create 14 million jobs across G20, EU, and African Union nations by 2035. With Travel & Tourism projected to reach $16.5 trillion in global GDP, WTTC and SITA stress border modernisation as crucial.

IATO has proposed an ‘Incredible India Endorsement’ programme to engage leading Indian brands and industry icons as tourism ambassadors. The association also emphasised joint promotion and support for the tour operators approved by the Ministry of Tourism-approved, including financial aid for brochures, digital marketing, and co-promotions with hospitality chains, airlines, and wellness brands.

TAAI has completed its innovative Visa Insights Workshop, hosted by VFS Global, in 7 cities of India, where VFS’ Mission people who receive visa applications from travel agents are invited to interact with the agency visa heads. “There ensues an exciting debate that goes on for few hours so that everyone understands the other and is on the same page. It has become a very successful event starting with Hyderabad, and going on to Pune, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Kolkata and soon to come to Mumbai. It is a way to work closely with VFS Global,” said Sunil Kumar, TAAI National President.

WTTC’s latest report reveals that tourism is set to support 91 mn jobs by 2035. While the sector is on course to support one in three new jobs worldwide by 2035, demographic and structural shifts could create a workforce shortfall of more than 43 mn people. It highlights that the labour challenge will affect all the 20 major economies, with the largest absolute shortfalls forecast in China (16.9 mn) and India (11 mn).

A delegation from the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) met Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, submitting a detailed representation seeking a fair, growth-oriented GST framework for hospitality. The association urged regularisation of past GST dues since 2017, restoration of Input Tax Credit (ITC) for hotels, and delinking F&B GST rates from room tariffs to ensure sectoral revival.

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has urged the Government of India to adopt a comprehensive and well-funded international tourism promotion strategy to position India as a leading global destination. Emphasising the sector’s vast potential to generate employment and economic growth, it called for focused, coordinated efforts across ministries, states, and private stakeholders.

India’s Travel & Tourism sector is at a crossroads, according to new WTTC findings. The findings highlight both the opportunities and the urgency as India seeks to balance its tourism-led growth with environmental sustainability. “The sector has shown progress by cutting its carbon intensity from 1.6 to 1.29 kgCO2e per US$ of GDP since 2019,” the report stated. India’s Travel & Tourism sector has delivered $79.6 billion in taxes and creating millions of jobs, especially for women and youth. “Yet, with 87% of its energy mix still fossil fuel-based, the industry faces mounting pressure to embrace low-carbon alternatives,” the report stated.

The Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), the premier association dedicated to uniting tourism and hospitality professionals across the state, successfully held its 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently. During the event, elections were conducted for the office bearers and the executive committee who will lead the society for the next two-year period. The newly elected team is committed to further strengthening the vision and projects that have marked KTS as a dynamic partner to both state and national government bodies, elevating Karnataka’s position as a leading tourism destination. K Syama Raju, President, stated, “It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I extend a heartfelt welcome to each one of you as the President of the Karnataka Tourism Society. In the dynamic realm of tourism and hospitality, we are united by a common passion for innovation, excellence, and the transformative power of our stakeholders here in Karnataka. I look forward to working alongside each of you as we embark on this exciting journey together.”

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) in New Delhi hosted a roundtable discussion to position the state-of-the-art facility as the capital’s premier cultural and tourist destination. The event was attended by Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG Tourism, GoI, along with key stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry. Ashwani Lohani, Director, PMML, highlighted that such initiatives reflect the institution’s sustained commitment to showcasing this establishment of national importance while delivering tremendous value to visitors. The discussion emphasised strengthening cultural tourism and enhancing visitor engagement, further establishing PMML as a must-visit landmark in Delhi.

At the 69th Annual General Meeting of FHRAI, Surendra Kumar Jaiswal was elected as the new President of the association. Outlining his vision for the tenure, he said, “The GST framework without ITC has created inequities that threaten our competitiveness. By restoring ITC, addressing copyright ambiguities, and granting Infrastructure and Industry status, the government can empower hospitality to support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”