TravTalk India Online Magazine
Inbound tour operators share how they see COVID-19 affecting the global tourism industry, as India continues taking precautionary measures. They also explain how Germany, hosting ITB Berlin, is a key market for them.
Naveen Kundu, MD, EbixCash – Travel & Holidays
“COVID-19 could have a damaging impact on the global tourism sector. I believe that quick, accurate and transparent communication is crucial to mitigating losses. Containing the spread of unnecessary panic is as important as stopping the virus itself. The German market is important to us and we have developed close partnerships with many tour operators.”
Kapil Goswamy, MD, Trans India Holidays
“With the cloud of COVID-19 looming large over the industry, 2020 is going to be a very challenging year, globally. We can only hope that the virus can successfully be contained. Till a few months ago, with the reduction in GST rates and further easing of the visa regime, our expectations from the German market were high, but we are all cautious and watchful now.”
Ravi Gosain, MD, Erco Travels
“The only ray of hope I see is that the tour operators who were selling China and Southeast Asian countries might look at India as a probable destination to sell. Also, we can tell FTOs that the government is restricting entry of visitors into India by sealing the borders. We promote smaller cities in India more than the bigger ones, and Germany is a key market for us.”
