TravTalk India Online Magazine
IATO office bearers are upbeat about the convention and are hopeful that the convention, which is being conducted with all safety precautions in place, might be the platform where not only members but industry at large would look at ways to move forward and build Brand India globally, whether the pandemic is here to stay or not.
Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO
Theme
This year’s IATO convention’s theme came out of all hardships, which tourism industry is facing since 20 months. We need to have a deep thought process and efficient planning to relaunch ‘Brand India’ for a strong presence globally post-COVID. Hence, we will discuss, how Brand India will make a comeback and the roadmap to recovery. It is quite challenging to organise physical convention under the present situation, but as we all know that COVID-19 will be around and we need to learn to live with it. We have made it mandatory for all delegates to upload their fully vaccinated certificates at the time of registration and will keep a close check on masking and sanitisation during the event. Hotel staff and security personals have been briefed to follow strict protocols on COVID safety guidelines.
Preparedness
We need to have a physical convention to boost industry and tourists confidence. However we must be vigil and follow safety measures. We have meticulously designed our sessions to have healthy discussions with various stakeholders and the government.
Build brand India
MOT, GoI play an important role in rebranding India as a safe destination and are happy with the proceedings so far. There were new digital promotions planned for international markets but due to the new variant, they are put on hold. However, we look forward to come back strongly.
Sunil Mishra, Hony. Treasurer, IATO
Theme
The Theme of the convention being ‘Brand India – The Road to Recovery for Revival of Business’ is apt and will add to the efforts of taking Incredible India to the promotional endeavours of the stakeholders that is ably supported by the MoT, GoI. India is gearing up; it is ready to welcome tourists with all SOPs in place. The government is supporting the industry with its policies and the states are looking at seamless travel, while the stakeholders are keen on networking. The recent COVID variant challenge has churned our thoughts. Consequently, it is imperative that we put our minds together and chalk out a plausible road map that shall steer India to the path of recovery. The case is thus ripe and a perfect fit for the theme of the convention.
Preparedness
Also, the industry must apprise the MoT of the views of its members regularly, so that apt policy are initiated. MoT often calls the industry for discussions on key subjects. Here, the industry must participate, offer inputs, so that suitable strategies can evolve and be adopted.
Build brand India
We are well prepared for the physical convention with full support from the Government of Gujarat, Ministry of Tourism, State Governments and above all our valued members. Time is opportune to show the world that our industry is well equipped with the new normal and have embraced all SOPs to welcome tourists.
Sanjay Razdan, Hony. Joint Secretary – IAT
Theme
The theme of the 36th IATO Convention is apt in the present circumstances. We are all waiting to revive tourism and what we are looking at is recovery now. It’s high time we should meet physically with all COVID protocols and SOPs well laid out. We, at IATO are well-prepared and looking forward to meeting friends in the trade after almost 20 months. Secondly, the past 20 months have been quite difficult for all of us and we would love to hear from experts in the industry, how to proceed and what would be the new norm of doing business.
Preparedness
All stakeholders of the tourism industry, including MOT, are the foremost brand ambassadors of India internationally. There has been a lot of information gap because of the messaging that goes out from the media. We need to raise awareness about India’s preparedness to tackle COVID, for example, the number of vaccines that have been administered and are being administered daily.
Build brand India
It is going to be a very competitive environment, and hence we need to ensure that Brand India is visible throughout the world. The government needs to increase its spending on advertisement and focus on not only our biggest markets but also new emerging markets that can be targeted. We are also hoping for increase in the MDA to support awareness at our own levels. This will hopefully ensure the recovery of our Industry.
