IATO calls for proactive government action to address inbound travel challenges
Travel Trade Journal|March 2024
In the current landscape of slow-paced inbound tourism, Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), highlights critical challenges and opportunities. From the closure of Indian tourism offices overseas to concerns about reduced budgets and geopolitical hurdles, Mehra outlines the multifaceted issues impacting inbound travel. With a call for proactive government intervention and a strategic framework, Mehra provides insights into the transformative initiatives, challenges, and hopes to shape the future of the Indian inbound tourism industry.
Prashant Nayak
IATO calls for proactive government action to address inbound travel challenges

The closure of the last seven Indian Tourism Offices (ITOs) overseas in 2023 could have a profound impact on Indian tourism, particularly on inbound travel, due to the decline in the promotion and visibility of India as a tourist destination abroad. Additionally, the significant reduction in the budget allocation for overseas promotion and publicity, including market development assistance, in the Budget 2024–25 is alarming. The allocation has seen a staggering decrease of 97 per cent, plummeting to Rs 3 crore from the previous budget's allocation of Rs 95 crore. These factors collectively create a challenging environment for promoting India as a tourist destination internationally, negatively impacting inbound travel to India.

A Call for Proactive Government Action

The current situation of inbound travel in India highlights several impediments necessitating proactive government intervention. In their communication to the Honourable Prime Minister, IATO outlined two critical issues. Firstly, there is a noticeable absence of promotion in both electronic and print media channels, resulting in a lack of visibility for India's tourism offerings. Secondly, the absence of a familiarisation tour (FAM) and roadshows compounds the challenge, exacerbated by the unavailability of funds for such essential promotional activities. “ It is imperative that immediate action be taken to address these concerns. We risk remaining unnoticed without a concerted effort to amplify our presence on the global stage. It is crucial to initiate promotional activities promptly, as without a substantial external presence, attracting attention and participation will prove challenging,” says Mehra.

Concerns Over Interim Budget 2024–25

Bu hikaye Travel Trade Journal dergisinin March 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Travel Trade Journal dergisinin March 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

TRAVEL TRADE JOURNAL DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
The Clarks Hotels and Resorts adapting, innovating, and thriving in a dynamic hospitality landscape
Travel Trade Journal

The Clarks Hotels and Resorts adapting, innovating, and thriving in a dynamic hospitality landscape

In this insightful interaction with Rahul Deb Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer, The Clarks Hotels and Resorts, he highlights the brand's strategic growth, commitment to service excellence, and focus on innovation and expanding global reach.

time-read
3 dak  |
TTJ September 2024
Uttar Pradesh advances Responsible Tourism initiatives with key stakeholders
Travel Trade Journal

Uttar Pradesh advances Responsible Tourism initiatives with key stakeholders

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable tourism with a workshop that brought together key industry stakeholders and global experts to discuss responsible tourism.

time-read
2 dak  |
TTJ September 2024
A Divine Confluence of Faith and Culture
Travel Trade Journal

A Divine Confluence of Faith and Culture

Every 12 years, the city of Prayagraj transforms into a focal point of one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in the world—the Maha Kumbh Mela. Rooted in ancient Hindu tradition, this grand festival commemorates the mythological churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, seeking the nectar of immortality. As millions of devotees and pilgrims converge in the sacred city, they are drawn by the promise of spiritual renewal through a ritual bath in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet.

time-read
3 dak  |
TTJ September 2024
EGYPTAIR celebrates a year of connectivity and growth on the New Delhi-Cairo Route
Travel Trade Journal

EGYPTAIR celebrates a year of connectivity and growth on the New Delhi-Cairo Route

In August 2023, EGYPTAIR launched its second Indian route with four weekly flights from New Delhi. One year into operations, TTJ spoke with Amr Ali, Country Manager, EGYPTAIR, about the journey and current offerings.

time-read
1 min  |
TTJ September 2024
With a forward-looking strategy, IndiGo is well-positioned to lead the aviation industry in India
Travel Trade Journal

With a forward-looking strategy, IndiGo is well-positioned to lead the aviation industry in India

As IndiGo marks 18 years of soaring success, Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, unveils the airline's dynamic vision for the future. From ambitious fleet expansions to innovative customer experiences, the airline is set to redefine travel in India and beyond. With a robust strategy aligning with India's growing aviation sector, IndiGo aims to connect more destinations and elevate passenger comfort on its journey towards 2030.

time-read
4 dak  |
TTJ September 2024
SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD
Travel Trade Journal

SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), founded in 1991 and headquartered in the UK, is renowned for its luxury boutique hotels across the globe that offer personalised experiences with local flair. Mark Wong, Senior Vice President - Asia Pacific, SLH, who drives the brand's growth and visibility in the region, recently visited India. TTJ interacted with Wong about the exciting hotel brand and its foray into the Indian market.

time-read
4 dak  |
TTJ September 2024
Etrav continues to elevate its B2B strategies with advanced technology solutions
Travel Trade Journal

Etrav continues to elevate its B2B strategies with advanced technology solutions

Henil Ruparelia, Managing Director, Etrav Tech Limited, highlights the company's impressive growth and strategic advancements. Headquartered in Surat with operations in Mumbai, Etrav has expanded globally, embracing innovative technologies and enhancing B2B offerings, thereby solidifying its position in the travel industry.

time-read
3 dak  |
TTJ September 2024
WelcomHeritage Bringing Luxury to Offbeat Destinations
Travel Trade Journal

WelcomHeritage Bringing Luxury to Offbeat Destinations

In a world where travel preferences constantly evolve, WelcomHeritage stands as a symbol of timeless luxury and heritage preservation. Since its modest beginnings in 1997, the brand has grown into a collection of 35 distinct properties that offer more than just a stay; they provide a journey through India's royal history, natural beauty, and cultural richness. As travel trends shift toward authenticity and responsibility, Abinash Manghani, CEO, WelcomHeritage, shares how the brand is redefining luxury travel for the modern adventurer.

time-read
2 dak  |
TTJ September 2024
Asego addresses both traditional and new-age travel risks
Travel Trade Journal

Asego addresses both traditional and new-age travel risks

Asego is leading the way in travel insurance with innovative products that meet the needs of modern globetrotters, offering comprehensive global coverage. Dev Karvat, Founder and CEO, Asego, highlights the company's strategic alignment with both inbound and domestic travel trends, providing tailored travel insurance solutions for today's travellers. Asego's commitment to diverse travel experiences and its emphasis on trust and reliability in the travel trade ensure its prominence in the dynamic travel landscape.

time-read
2 dak  |
TTJ September 2024
Maldives' Tourism Renaissance
Travel Trade Journal

Maldives' Tourism Renaissance

As bilateral relations between the two nations continue on the path to improvement, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is amongst the organisations leading efforts to revitalise tourism from the Indian market. In an exclusive interview, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director, MMPRC, provided a comprehensive overview of the strategies and initiatives designed to reverse the recent decline in Indian tourist arrivals.

time-read
2 dak  |
TTJ September 2024