Associations

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has recommended a well-made sector-specific stimulus package that addresses the most critical aspects of reducing financial loss, mobilising loans and retention of employment. This includes complete waiver of interest on loans beginning March 2020. Senior delegates of the Federation of …

Vishwas Makhija, President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), has said that his association is finding ways forward to create new Chapters at the state level. His team has identified five states already and they will go forward with the detailed Chapter formation. Manas Dwivedi The Adventure Tour Operators …

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Western region has requested India Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism to restart issuing e-visas for international tourists, in time for the upcoming season. During the session, they brought up some key points, including the question of e-visas for inbound clients. Hazel Jain …

Hotel Association of India (HAI) has urged the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance to understand the plight of the hospitality industry and decide on what they need. He says that their advocacy is only that the government give a comprehensive package instead of small things happening here …

The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has reached out to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Union Tourism Minister and the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory seeking help and relief for the island’s travel trade. The second wave of the virus has been especially devastating. Manas Dwivedi In a …

After a much delayed AGM and election, the Madhya Pradesh Chapter of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has now announced a new team which will be led by TK Jose as the Chairman. The association will now prepare to conduct its national election. Hazel Jain In an event conducted …

‘Consolidated procurement strategies are the effective way forward to survive in post-COVID scenarios,’ says Dr Amit Sharma, Vice President – Contracting and Product Development, Abercrombie & Kent and Expert (Roster), UNWTO. Dr Sharma has also been teaching in various management institutes and universities for the last decade as a visiting …

The Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), on the occasion of its seventh Foundation Day, reconstituted its Executive Team, and has announced Jagdeep Bhagat of Vee Bee Tours, Delhi, as the National Coordinator for the second time and Gajesh Girdhar from Paryatan, Muzaffarnagar, as Chairman Emeritus. Nisha Verma NIMA’s new …

Kingshuk Biswas, who is on the UNWTO panel of Tourism Experts, delves into how the tourism industry can generate demand in such a dismal scenario, and offers some suggestions for ‘creating’ this demand post COVID. According to a recent Booking.com research report, 86% Indian travellers will take more health and …

As part of its special drive for strengthening the pan-India membership base, IATO has waived off the admission fee of `10,000 (plus 18 per cent GST) for applicants from certain states and UTs. The Association is also motivating existing members to get MOT-recognised. Manas Dwivedi To strengthen its membership base, …