MoT

MoT conducts Destination Based Skill Development training prog.

MoT organises three-day International Tourism Mart at Kohima

Taking note of large scale scope for creation of employment at tourist destinations, the Ministry of Tourism started the Destination Based Skill Development training programme at 7 iconic sites i.e. TajMahal at Agra, Humayun Tomb, Red Fort, QutubMinar at Delhi, Mahabodhi Temple at Bihar, Colva Beach at Goa and Kaziranga at Assam in FY 2019-20 to train, upgrade and sensitize the local people residing near these tourism sites and destinations. This programme continued in Financial Year (FY) 202021 and upscaled to more than 150 new destinations. However, due to Covid-19 pandemic this programme took place at 44 destinations. This programme is continued during the current FY 2021-22. So far this programme has taken place at 24 destinations.

The Ministry of Tourism organised the annual event, “International Tourism Mart” (ITM) at Kohima, Nagaland from 27 November to 29 November 2021 with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets. Chief Minister of Nagaland ShriNeiphiu Rio, Minister of State for Tourism & Defence, GoI, Shri Ajay Bhatt and MLA & Advisor Tourism, Government of Nagaland Shri. H KhehoviYeputhomi jointly inaugurated the event. Other dignitaries from Central Ministries and the North Eastern States were present on the occasion. This event was in continuation to the Tourism & Culture Ministers’ Conference of North Eastern Region held during September 2021 in the state of Assam, which was an effort to deliberate and discuss the way forward for tourism in the North Eastern region.

Tourism Sector contributes around 15% in total employment of the country

Ministry of Tourism signs MoU with IRCTC to strengthen hospitality and tourism industry

The Ministry of Tourism under its SwadeshDarshan scheme has sanctioned 76 projects under identified themes which includes two projects under Rural Theme. Identification, Promotion and Development of Tourism is primarily the responsibility of the State Government. As per estimation in accordance with 3rdTourism Satellite Account (TSA) for subsequent years namely 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, the contribution of Tourism in total employment of the country is as under:

2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Share in Jobs (in %) 14.78 14.78 15.34 Direct (%) 6.44 6.48 6.69 Indirect (%) 8.34 8.39 8.65 Direct + Indirect jobs due to tourism (In millions) 72.69 75.85 79.86 Note: The above estimates have been updated using National Account Statistics (NAS) 2021, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2018-19.

Ministry of Tourism in its ongoing effort to strengthen the Hospitality & Tourism Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on 10.11.2021. Ministry of Tourism has already signed similar MOUs with Easy My Trip, Cleartrip, Yatra.com, Make My Trip and Goibibo. The primary objective of this MOU is to provide an extensive visibility to accommodation units, which have self-certified themselves on SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness & Training for the Hospitality Industry) on the OTA platform. The MoU also outlines both parties to encourage Units to register on NIDHI and thereby on SAATHI and encourage local tourism Industry with appropriate safeguards for curbing spread of COVID-19. The idea is also to gather more information on accommodation units in order to gain actionable insights & designing evidence based & targeted policy measures and to promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.

IATO… Endeavours to bring back tourism while hosting its 36th Annual Convention

With holiday season in full swing, domestic tourism is garnering a substantial footprint as a result of post Covid recovery. Indian Association of Tour Operators, the apex body of tourism industry is all set to gear up for the 36th hybrid annual convention from December 16-19, 2021 at Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Keeping in mind the overwhelming response from domestic travel segment, IATO, aspires for a successful event while seeking immense participation. Take a look on what the senior officials have got to say on the upcoming one of a kind event post pandemic…

By Arushi Bajaj

IATO…

The past two years have been really challenging for the tourism fraternity majorly as the industry was the first one to suffer and apparently the last to recover. While the world was struggling with the second wave fiasco, particularly India, the deadly virus seemed to have taken a front seat, leaving everything behind. In an endeavour to boost confidence among the travellers and pave way for even better travel experiences, IATO, holds its 36th annual convention to motivate the people and bring tourism back to India.

The IATO convention was missed during the year 2020 in the wake of Covid-19 outbreak. Mr. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO says, “With vaccination drive in full swing this year has given us the confidence to organise the convention. IATO had been driving for seamless functioning by Restoration of E-Visa for Business, Medical, Medical Attendant and Conference. IATO had been constantly writing to the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Home Affairs to restore E-Visa or at least announce the date so that it can inform its counterparts abroad accordingly. IATO had discussed the issue with Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Secretary Tourism and ADG Tourism personally and assured their full support. The efforts bore fruit vide Ministry of Home Affairs Vide MHA's O.M. No. 25022/28/2020-F. I dated 30.03.2021, e-Visa for Business, Medical, Medical Attendant and Conference restored with immediate effect.”

Commenting on refund from Airlines, he said,“IATO took the matter to Hon’ble High Court successfully. The CAR said refund has to be given. Second refund has to go into the account from where the tickets were booked. Third credit shell be issued by the airline and eventually that credit shell will be transferred by the travel agent into the account of the passenger. If the passenger does not want any credit shell, then the entire refund has to be done by 31st March 2021.”

“IATO also took initiative on issues regarding releasing of SEIS for the financial year 2019-20 and also resumption of e-Tourist Visa. This resulted DGFT announced releasing of SEIS on 23rd September 2021. Similarly, on 7th October 2021, Ministry of Home Affairs announced resumption of Tourist Visa including e-Tourist Visa.” – He adds.

Mr. Mehra emphasised, “On 8th December 2020, Guidelines for Recognition of Tourism Service Providers by the Ministry of Tourism were released by the Ministry. This could happen with the persistent efforts of IATO manifesting in one to one meetings, webinars, letters to authorities and follow ups the

Mr. Rajiv Mehra

IATO had been driving for seamless functioning by Restoration of E-Visa for Business, Medical, Medical Attendant and Conference. IATO had been constantly writing to the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Home Affairs to restore E-Visa or at least announce the date so that it can inform its counterparts abroad accordingly.

above notification was fructified. This will benefit all IATO members in their being granted fresh recognition or renewal and embark upon their business endeavours in earnest.”

He mentions, “IATO waived off the membership fee for all its members for the financial year 202122 and members who paid their annual fee for the financial year 2020-21, their membership fee was automatically renewed for 2021-22 and membership certificate has been sent to them. Besides the above, Admission Fee for new members for 2021-22 has been waived off for the applicants from Andaman & Nicobar Islands; Andhra Pradesh; Bihar; Chandigarh; Chhattisgarh; Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu; Jammu & Kashmir; Jharkhand; Ladakh; Lakshadweep; North East States; Puducherry. For rest of the states also, a 50% discount has been given on the Admission Fee. This will also accelerate our membership drive all over India.”

“Annual Conventions are always a highlight of an association and therefore, IATO has come up with the dates of the hybrid convention which will be held from December 16-19, 2021 at Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It will be a physical event and we expect about 900 delegates from all over the country to join the convention. Our aim is also to have participation of all the state governments to build confidence and give message that we are back to normal. We are working on many issues for the benefit of our members. Our main focus is now to revive business and bring it to the level of pre-covid for which we will work closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.” – He concludes.

Mr. EM Najeeb, Senior Vice President, IATO said, “IATO annual convention will be a platform which will rebuild confidence amongst the tourism industry delegates that we are back to normal. This is going to be the first physical event with such a large gathering where we expect about 900 delegates to be present. Besides, we have also invited all the state governments and they will be asked to tell the industry the state of affairs in their respective state with regard to tourists arriving there. Also delegates will get a chance to meet after two years of gap to interact and network. Whatever fears we have in mind we will put forward to the senior government officials from the Centre and the state government and will clear our doubts. It is time for the government to help us revive our business and IATO convention is one such platform. Also there will be fruitful discussions in business sessions on various important subjects which will be related to the theme of the convention i.e. Brand India- Road to Recovery.”

He illuminates, “Delegates are also looking forward to see the Vibrant Gujarat after 10 years. We had our last convention in Gujarat in 2011 and things have changed drastically now. Members can market any destination only if they are familiar. There are going to be six post convention tours, which will give members an opportunity to explore Gujarat in real.The focus will be on addressing the key issues that are affecting the industry due to Covid -19 pandemic so that the members discuss and bring up the same with the policy makers present and discuss among themselves to come to doable solutions. Besides the main theme, the business sessions attempt to dwell on in-depth analysis of the plan of action to recovery, connectivity, marketing, policy framework relating to SEIS and other pertinent issues, sustainable tourism and other facets. Onsite visits at the tourist destinations of Gujarat will add to the productivity and promotion.” Mr. Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO shares, “IATO has done deep brain storming among the EC and officials of Gujarat tourism before announcing our Annual convention at Gandhinagar. In 2020 we had to postpone the convention due to the pandemic, so this year’s convention will be most sought networking evening for Tourism industry. Most of us are looking forward to meet various stakeholders and discuss future of tourism in India under ongoing Covid threats. We need motivation to move ahead to seek possibilities for running our businesses. Covid-19 may be still hovering around but this is the time we all should adopt cautious approach for new beginnings.”

Sharing inputs on theme of the convention he said, “Our convention theme is based on present scenario how we can bring up Brand India after these devastating 20 months. We want our members to join in numbers because this will be a different convention as compared to previous years, we are the lucky ones to be alive today but our years of hard work in building our businesses got a huge dent due to pandemic. We require more handholding, encouragement and sharing ideas for future strategies and IATO convention will be an ideal platform to restart. We are inviting some prominent speakers in our business sessions which will help delegates to enhance their knowledge base.”

Commenting on the venue he said, “Gujarat being a very promising state for tourism has immense potential to add up some new products to our portfolio. We are giving opportunity to members in post-convention tours to visit various tourist places in Gujarat like Statue of Unity, Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, Dwarka, Somnath to name a few. Now Ahmedabad is very well connected with flights from all over India and some international cities, which will play an important role in bring up Gujarat on world tourism map. However, I think they need to do some intensive promotions in overseas markets on regular basis by participating at international tourism fairs, conducting roadshows, inviting foreign tour operators to showcase destinations etc. We have put all these suggestions to authorities and very glad to receive overwhelming

Mr. EM Najeeb

IATO annual convention will be a platform which will rebuild confidence amongst the tourism industry delegates that we are back to normal. This is going to be the first physical event with such a large gathering where we expect about 900 delegates to be present.

Mr. Ravi Gosain

Our convention theme is based on present scenario how we can bring up Brand India after these devastating 20 months. We want our members to join in numbers because this will be a different convention as compared to previous years.

support and proactive hearing from Chief minister of Gujarat, Tourism minister, Secretary tourism and MD Gujarat tourism. All of them are looking forward to be a part of successful convention at Gandhinagar. I have no doubt our delegates will enjoy Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage, delicious food and explore places and will offer them to their clients in future.”

“During lockdown IATO has been in constant touch with all government authorities to support survival of our members be it SEIS incentives, Financial support, opening of borders, visas, Vaccination availability etc. We are more or less happy to get some of things done in our favour which will enable us to re-shape our businesses. FTO’s were happy with the announcement of 5 Lakh free tourists visas as it gave a positive signal in the market. We still have to go through lot of hurdles and checks for operating tourists but we are hopeful to cross over all of them one by one.” He said.

He concluded by saying, “It will take a year or two to come back to pre-covid levels in term of foreign tourist arrivals in India. Although with proactive approach from government of India and stakeholders it can be achieved earlier provided people come out of pandemic syndrome. We understand saving life was priority for the government but now when things are improving we are expecting intense support from them to re-build tourism businesses. We are having regular meetings with MoT officials for resumption of overseas promotions both digital as well physical and satisfied so far with their planning. However, we will able to quantify the progress after it actually begins. So at IATO convention our focus will be to brainstorm all these possibilities with the government officials along with stakeholders. In my opinion tourism will begin step by step from early 2022 and by the year end take a better shape. We all should keep trust in ourselves and have patience to restart our business activities. Believe me even if covid scare will haunt us time to time but we all will survive and continue our work.”

Ms. Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents

Association of India, said, “Convention means a meeting or formal assembly, as of representatives or delegates, for discussion of and action on matters of common concern. As the President of TAAI, I believe a Convention should be the most eagerly awaited, prominent, and well-marketed event for an industry association because the huge visibility offered by the events of such scale brings global industry to one platform. TAAI holds an annual convention each year which is the best delivered and has set standards globally.”

She further mentions, “Everyone becomes a member of an association to avail benefits, remain updated on current and future business trends & get opportunities of increasing business & revenue. Every member of an association should thus get the magnificent opportunity to network; get updated; promote or buy and importantly take home some great learning through knowledge sessions which should be the goal and objective.”

Ms. Mayal emphasises, “Travel Trade was at the brink of extinction last year; however, with mass vaccination drive by countries, especially India, the industry is moving towards revival stage. Now to reinvent the systems, we need to adopt a collaborative, most innovative and tech-enabled approach allowing the sector to thrive as soon as possible. We need to add value for our members by giving them multiple opportunities & showcase the same through our convention.”

“Today we need to reiterate to our members how we need to reboot and restructure our business post Covid. Also make them aware of future challenges and the need to equip ourselves for a challenging future by adopting the new norms and also a changed demographic of the traveller & destination. We need to hold discussions on protection of cash and bring opportunities of sustainable business environment. We also need to inculcate correct procedures and support them to restructure their businesses alongwith what I strongly say to respect the services they offer to their customer. Only if you respect yourself do others reciprocate. Demand the value for your services. Convention is a wonderful platform to address and lead your members & the entire industry towards innovation & implementation. It is truly an opportunity to develop, achieve & showcase both at the national and international level. TAAI wishes IATO a successful convention 2021.” - She concluded.

Ms. Jyoti Mayal

Travel Trade was at the brink of extinction last year; however, with mass vaccination drive by countries, especially India, the industry is moving towards revival stage. Now to reinvent the systems, we need to adopt a collaborative, most innovative and techenabled approach allowing the sector to thrive.

Mr. PP Khanna, President, Association of

Mr. PP Khanna

There is a need to have bilateral agreements with foreign countries pertaining to VISAS and flights. We have to appeal that India has already opened doors for foreign countries and they should also lift restrictions for coming to India.

Domestic Tour Operators Association of India

(ADTOI),said, “Conventions are crucial and hold significant importance while creating milestones as people get to interconnect. Pandemic has changed the scenario today as the world goes virtual; however, we need to understand that hybrid conventions are unrivalled. With vaccination drives in full swing and 70-80% of the population being vaccinated, we have to spread a positive message that India is safe and open for inbound.”

He also mentions, “There is a need to have bilateral agreements with foreign countries pertaining to VISAS and flights. We have to appeal that India has already opened doors for foreign countries and they should also lift restrictions for coming to India. The IATO convention can act as a catalyst to promote the idea of ‘Safe India’ while tying up with Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of health and family welfare. I would suggest that more vigorous marketing strategies should be deployed so that all the tourism offices get the message of Safe India, this will also serve the purpose of boosting business and tourism while also generating revenue and employment.”