Tag Archives: President

In a written appeal, IATO has urged the Union Finance Minister to ask the GST council to consider rationalisation or lowering of GST on various tourism related services at their upcoming meeting. In a statement, IATO has said that this would help boost the sector as and when the revival happens.  Rajiv Mehra, President IATO, said “The inbound tourism has been the worst hit and if we were to get these financial relief it will help us give us some strength to bounce back. Sincerely hope that our requests will be given serious consideration by the GST council. I would also request the Ministry of Home Affairs to start planning on opening an E-Tourist Visa in phases as Vaccination in many source markets like USA, UK and other European Markets are almost complete. This can be done in stages and on reciprocal basis, so that inbound tourism business can start which will not only revive economic activities but also will bring back jobs lost during the last 14 months.”

Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Group, has said that low-cost carriers would benefit when the aviation sector resumes in a post-COVID world, thanks to strong domestic demand in the US, China, and Europe. Speaking at ATM 2021, he also added that a number of elements of costs like PCR tests and inequitable distribution of vaccination are going to hamper the demand for the aviation sector.

In a marathon session fielding member queries, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, urged everyone to register themselves on the Ministry of Tourism website. She said, “Agencies who don’t do this may not be allowed to call themselves a travel agent.” The association has also written to MoCA to help resolve matters with Air India bookings multiple times, and has sought an online appointment directly with the PM.

The current Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) has been extended till 3oth September 2021 from previously 31st March 2021. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, commented on the same, saying, “Since the validity of the existing policy has been extended till 30th sept, we are hopeful that SEIS will be announced soon. The 2019-20 SEIS payment was to be made by 31st March 2021. Now, with the new date, as and when the order comes by 30th September, we can claim our money.”

TAAI has appealed to Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Civil Aviation and PS Patel, Minister of Tourism, to set up urgent protocols for travellers who are getting vaccinated against COVID-19. “This shall enable vaccinated travellers to resume their activities to pre-COVID times and live towards a better future,” says Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI.

PP Khanna, President, ADTOI, has shared that 500 domestic buyers will be part of India Tourism Mart (ITM) Virtual, which will be held from February 18-20 this year. Domestic buyers will include tour operators, institutions and corporates. The participation fee for exhibitors is Rs10,000. About 500 foreign tour operators are also expected at the event.

Kashmir Travel trade has opened their residential homes for tourists stuck up due to closure of national highway and the air connectivity, after consistent snowfall in the valley. In a statement issued to press, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) issued a helpline to reach out to the stranded tourists who need any help for accommodation, medical assistance, food, and other services. Farooq Kuthoo, President, TAAK, said, “Many travellers are stranded here in Kashmir due to cancellation of the flights and closure of national highway. Keeping up with the legacy of hospitality that Kashmiris are known for through centuries we would not see our guests’ sufferings.” They have assured the stranded tourists through social media, newspapers and radio not to worry and contact on the helpline numbers displayed for any assistance. He also appreciated the department of Tourism for establishing a helpline for the stranded tourists and offering them free accommodation in department owned hotels.

Sunil Kumar, President, UFTAA, has said that the association has initiated a concept of Zero Risk with IATA that can protect the agents and airlines from any future risk to either parties. “The current scenario has reflected our unpreparedness to protect the monies of the stakeholders and the customers, owing to the challenges the agencies had to go through. In an evolving scenario, it is time that such a Zero Risk to either of the stakeholders is envisioned through IATA’s governing resolution and we be better prepared to handle such crisis, if it would ever come up in future,” he says. Towards this, all Global Federations of Associations which are part of IATA’s PAPGJC have come together and a working group is getting created with terms of reference of the committee meeting the expectations of all. “This working group will involve representatives of airlines, agency associations, and IATA. This is anticipated to be finalised by January and thereupon the working group can deliberate to plan a great legacy for the future which does not pose any risk or threat to our customers or agencies. We eagerly look forward to this working group to be able to come up with a favourable solution for the industry and its stake holders,” Kumar adds.

Suman Pandey, President, Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure (Nepal), has been appointed as Secretary/Treasurer under PATA’s newly-announced Executive Board.

Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, has said that they have been in discussion with Ministry of Civil Aviation for many of their issues, one of which is the acceptance of credit cards by airlines. “It has been cleared by the PAPJC and IATA, but we are still knocking every airline’s door. There should be a directive from the government for the same. There should be neutral capping of fares. Also, we are looking at remuneration in a big way. As travel consultants, we should have a right to charge our fee. Else, our services can be treated as MRP product so that we are protected. We should be allowed to charge 10% fee on it like the hotel industry is charging service fee,” she said.