TravTalk India Online Magazine
The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality recently announced its new office-bearers for the 2024–2026 term. With Puneet Chhatwal re-elected as the Chairman, the new leadership is set to steer India’s tourism and hospitality industry on the growth trajectory, aligning with the vision of PM Narendra Modi.
Surbhi Sharma
The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) recently announced its new office-bearers for the 2024–2026 term. The elections for the new leadership team of FAITH, representing 10 associations from India’s tourism and hospitality sector, concluded recently in New Delhi.
Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO, IHCL, continues as the Chairman. The Vice Chairmen positions are held by Ajeet Bajaj of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) and Ajay Prakash from the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI). Rajiv Mehra of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and Kanwarjeet Singh Sawhney of the Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA) have been appointed as General Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
Homa Mistry, CEO, Trail Blazer Tours India, acted as the Returning Officer for the elections, ensuring a smooth and transparent process.
Vision for growth
Rajiv Mehra, speaking on behalf of the elected team, emphasised commitment to unified efforts for the advancement of India’s tourism and hospitality sector. “We aim to work cohesively to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and achieve the ambitious targets he has set for the industry,” he said.
FAITH, formed in May 2023, was established as a unified voice for the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries in India. It serves as the policy federation for 10 national associations, including ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, and TAFI, with AIRDA as a cause partner.
Advocacy & policy
FAITH has played a pivotal role in shaping tourism policies in India. Its engagement with the central and state governments has influenced critical initiatives.
Past initiatives
FAITH has successfully organised global buyer-seller meets to boost India’s tourism sector. Notable events include GET India 2015, held in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and India Tourism Mart editions held from 2018 to 2021, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. These events have significantly contributed to promoting India as a global tourism destination.
Looking ahead
Under the newly elected leadership, the association is poised to address emerging challenges and harness opportunities in tourism and hospitality.
