THE CATALYST

Established in June 2021, the Confederation of Hospitality, Technology and Tourism Industry (CHATT) is a dynamic, proactive and forward-looking institution. In the post-pandemic situation when the Hospitality industry is striving back to normalcy the importance of an idea like CHATT is supporting the sector is extremely important and fitting. T&E Editor Anirban Dasgupta speaks with Mr. Anwar Shirpurwala, Secretary General, CHATT on the role of CHATT as a catalyst between the Government and the new-age hospitality, tourism and travel technology industry.

- Anirban Dasgupta

The idea of the Confederation of Hospitality, Technology and Tourism Industry CHATT) to transform the hospitality, travel and tourism sector through the wider adoption of technology is not only encouraging but also much-needed support for the apparently unorganized microentrepreneurs, small medium enterprises SMEs). What has been your experience so far in terms of response and level of confidence from the target sector?

The guiding principle and philosophy of CHATT is to bring about a positive economic change in the lives of the micro-entrepreneurs as well as to the small and medium enterprises like the budget hotels, bread and breakfast hotels, guest houses, homestays, travel agencies, tour operators etc. by bringing them into the mainstream, promoting technology adoption, upskilling them, making them aware of government policies and schemes. For this, we are closely working with the governments at the centre and in states along with tech-based platforms in hospitality and tourism as well as by the online travel aggregators (OTAs), knowledge firms, technology service providers, industry experts, think tanks and other relevant stakeholders.

For me, it has really been a great experience and an eye-opener working on the ground with the critically important section of the entire hospitality, tourism and travel sector in the country accounting for about one-fifth share in the overall MSMEs in India. 

So far we have received very positive feedback from our target segment and they are very much eager to adopt and implement new technology to promote their business. Presently they are seeking support to improve marketabilty, skill and training opportunities, and information on government policies and schemes to avail financial assistance, we at CHATT are working with multiple stakeholders on all these fronts.