Associations

‘Abu Dhabi Specialist Programme’ is an e-learning platform which will educate travel trade industry professionals with all destination-related information about the emirate through a series of online courses. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi will roll out the programme in three phases and several languages across 17 …

IATO held its virtual interactive meeting recently,where members discussed the new MDA guidelines for promotion of domestic tourism and the impending SEIS dues. Nisha Verma In his opening remarks, Rajesh Mudgill, Hony. Secretary, IATO, shared that the new MDA guidelines for promotion of domestic tourism was good news. The revised …

The Travel Operators for Tigers India Wildlife Association will conduct a 10-part series of virtual tutorial starting from January 13, 2021 to educate the trade about wildlife. Hazel Jain TOFTigers is a collective campaign and global alliance that includes stakeholders such as governments, communities and travellers to spread awareness about …

Himanshu Talwar, Assistant Secretary General, FHRAI, believes that curating a wholesome travel experience by catering to specific religious needs could attract more travellers. In this light, he talks about the importance of Jain tourism and its potential. India is a land of many cultures, and many religions have found their …

The state governments must ensure they implement homogeneous COVID protocols for visitors across all the states of the region since most visitors to the Northeast visit at least two states, says Nirmalya Choudhury, Chapter Chairman – North East States, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Hazel Jain North-Eastern people are …

The annual North East Festival will now take place on December 19-20, 2020 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Guwahati and will also be relayed live on social media channels. Promotions are already underway. Hazel Jain The North East Festival (NEF) that is an annual event being conducted in New Delhi every …

Hardy, CEO, PATA, shares his learnings from the ‘year of the pandemic’ and how it can be a guide for the future. He believes that while recovery will be slow and gradual from the impact on numbers and revenue due to the pandemic, reaching pre-COVID level of growth does not …

Gloria Guevara, President and CEO, WTTC, feels that the most frustrating challenge the industry and travellers alike have faced is the lack of a co-ordinated cross-border approach.She advocates a single standard. Hazel Jain Why do you think we are facing a lack of co-ordination during this pandemic? This outbreak is …

Pilgrim trails of India have held huge potential since days of yore among domestic travellers. Himanshu Talwar, Assistant Secretary General, FHRAI, believes that millennials can be inspired to revisit their cultural routes as part of spiritual tourism. India, with its diverse culture and numerous religions, is a goldmine when it …

Sunil C Gupta, Chapter Chairman, IATO – Northern Region, shares why it is necessary to lift the capping on number of tickets at the Taj Mahal in Agra, an absence of which is currently leading to chaos, and how the new metro project in Agra would help tourists access more …