TravTalk India Online Magazine
The ITTA Convention stressed the importance of educating drivers to make them ambassadors of change in tourism sector to promote responsible tourism practices. The event also highlighted the challenges faced by transporters in securing loans for large or imported vehicles, with a call for support from the banking sector.
Janice Alyosius
The International Tourism Transport Association (ITTA) Convention, held at The Grand New Delhi from 20-21 December 2024, saw industry leaders and experts discussing the evolving landscape of tourism and transport in India. The event, themed Driving Excellence: Upgrading Transport for a Sustainable and Bright Tomorrow, was graced by the presence of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the delegates on the occasion, Shekhawat highlighted the exponential growth of India’s tourism sector. Referring the Kumbh Mela as an example of India’s unparalleled tourism potential, Shekhawat said, “The Kumbh Mela will start from 13 January. And this Kumbh period of one and a half months will separate India from the rest of the world. More people will gather there than the population of any country.”
Sustainability and mobility
Shekhawat highlighted sustainability as a key concern for the tourism sector. “Sustainability is going to be a big question in the future,” he said, acknowledging the increasing congestion at established tourist destinations. He emphasised that sustainable tourism must start with improving mobility, particularly in the road transport sector. “Sustainability starts with mobility, and if it is flagged as a travel operator, because any tourist, no matter where they go, whether they go by air or by rail, ultimately they have to sit in their car,” he pointed out. “The maximum time they spend on the road, a very big part of that time, they spend in that cab,” he emphasised. Shekhawat called on the tourism industry to take responsibility and cultivate responsible tourism practices, urging operators to educate and support drivers to become ambassadors for sustainability.
Talking about the challenges faced by the tourism and transportation sectors, particularly regarding banking and regulations, he said, “In the first two weeks of January, I have decided, along with my office, to dedicate a day for meeting with representatives from the banking sector.”
Addressing the event, Satish Sehrawat, President, ITTA, said, “This is a small festival of ITTA which we do every alternate year. In these two days, all the members across India come here, and we celebrate and discuss the past, present, and what we are planning for the future.” Bobby KS Sawhney, Hony. Secretary, ITTA and Chairman of the Convention, expressed his satisfaction with the discussions at the event. He pointed out banking and speed governance as significant issues which require immediate attention.
