Tag Archives: Ministry of Tourism

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), in its recent interactive meeting of members, discussed the highlights of the revised guidelines for tourism service providers by MOT. The virtual event saw members discussing the new criteria and their issues with it, including categorisation of tour operators in five categories, inclusion of green shoots/start-ups, MDA scheme eligibility, etc. The EC clarified members’ queries and looks at taking the same to MOT.

Ministry of Tourism recently conducted its Domestic Tourism Roadshow in the western state of Goa. The chief guest at the event was Rupinder Brar, ADG, Ministry of Tourism, who shared that a complimentary development of domestic tourism is needed to further make way for an enhanced growth of international tourism.

Rupinder Brar, ADG, Ministry of Tourism, has said that they are in discussion with Quality Council of India organising the entire travel trade, on the lines of SAATHI & NIDHI hospitality platforms. “In the supply chain there are tour operators, OTAs, taxi operators and bus operators. The idea is not just to bring people into a database, but to make sure to reach out as support to the industry from the Government perspective and also to make the ecosystem safe for the future traveller. It is not only from the COVID perspective, but because a value chain needs to be created for the consumer.

Meenakshi Sharma, DG, Ministry of Tourism, has said that their campaign for the international market highlighting they are COVID-proof and geared to work with them is ready. “Representatives from the industry have seen some drafts, and it should be finalised in a month or so. The campaign says what India is trying to do,” Sharma says.

Ministry of Tourism has appreciated Vasuki K. Sundaram, Chairperson, IATO Maharashtra Chapter, on twitter for her positive feedback on her recent trip to Shirdi, where she mentions that her experience was great in the temple without crowds, social distancing maintained, hotels adhering to compliances, and she pointed out that the wayside amenities on her way back to Mumbai were clean. MOT, in their tweet shared a video of Sundaram saying that it shows the idea of Dekho Apna Desh being executed thoroughly.

Rupinder Brar, ADG, Ministry of Tourism, has shared that the content they are creating for international and domestic market will also focus on the growing infrastructure in the country and not just the heritage of the country. “We noticed that we do focus on monuments, cities, palaces, etc., but we are not showing and leveraging on the growing infrastructure in the country. Hence, the content needs to show that when you land in India, you are landing in a country which may be 1000s of years old, but at the same time, it is backed up with infrastructure that is as modern as it can get,” she added.

India Tourism Kolkata, Regional Office (East), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India celebrated the Constitution Day, led by the Regional Director (East) followed by a brief discussion on the salient features of the Indian Constitution.

Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, has said that the tourism industry will experience consistent growth with skilful employees. “To come out successfully from the current crisis, organisations will need to nurture their employees’ digital, cognitive, and resilience skill sets,” she said while speaking at the webinar on ‘Trends in Future Jobs, Skill Development & Training in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality’ organised by FICCI.

Rakesh Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, shares that there is a need to market India as a M!CE destination. “We have to aggressively market India as a MICE destination. The Government has to back the industry in bringing more events and conventions. Our missions abroad can be of great help. It impacts tourism, hospitality, event management and host of other people in the supply chain. India has great potential for MICE industry. The challenge is how to build a string brand India for conventions and events, while backing it up by delivering on the premises. The Government and the industry must jointly build India as a MICE destination.”

Ministry of Tourism has sought inputs from IATO on the promotion and marketing of Incredible India. The Ministry desires to plan in advance for these promotions and marketing so that as soon as e-Visa, tourist visa and international flights are announced or resume, it can begin with the promotions and marketing effort in a bid to revive tourism from international market.