TOURISM MINISTER MEETING WITH TRADE ASSOCIATION

Hon. Tourism Minister Mr Shekhawat and his MoT leadership team met on 21st June, at Ashok Hotel with Representatives of all travel and tourism associations, federations, and chambers of commerce for a 4-hour session.

The Minister asked each participant organisation for suggestions and proposed solutions. Minister Shekhawat listened attentively, and MoT, led by Secretary Vidyavathi, noted the points and issues raised.

PATA India, represented by Secretary SanJeet and Treasurer Jatinder Taneja, too presented several points, including the following:

1. Each year, key source markets are identified as partner countries for aggressive tourism promotion in such markets.

2. Participation in international tourism markets should be collective and high impact. MoT must take the lead. Try and get all states and tour operators together to participate.

3. Other than the Golden Triangle, identify famous and popular world heritage sights and fully develop them as tourist attractions with all-inclusive infrastructure, i.e. access, accommodation coupled with World Class ‘Pockets of excellence at key monuments are required. Cafés, Parking, Washrooms, photography facilities etc..Set an example for everyone to follow.

4. At least four new sights should be identified, in North, South, West and East.

5. ⁠Negative publicity about India needs to be managed through aggressive media management. MoT must engage with the media in India, especially to manage adverse publicity and share positive developments in tourism.

6. SEIS and MDA schemes must be reinstated.

7. ⁠In addition to digital marketing and advertising, traditional promotion and marketing support forms must be restored, e.g., brochures, roadshows, etc.Market and publicise our enhanced and fast growing world class infrastructure. Emphasise on Expressways, Airport development, new trains and UDAAN scheme all of which provide better connectivity and high levels of convenience for tourists

8. Having a tourism desk at all critical source market diplomatic missions needs to be set up and fully trained & equipped to meet the requirements of local tour operators.

9. Invite travel and tourism associations from key source markets to hold annual conventions in India. MoT should host these events and provide preferential arrangements for such programs.

10. Ensure a stable policy to ensure no knee jerk changes in taxes, monument/game park
ticket pricing, closure of tourist attractions and cancellation of flights, particularly
between tourist destinations. This leads to immense financial loss and tourist and
Foreign Tour Operator dissatisfaction

Similarly, other associations made many relevant points that could benefit tourism growth.

The minister also wanted to know what needs to be done to promote tourism to India in the off-season months. He suggested that these meetings with the industry must happen regularly.

Such an initiative from the Minister is very encouraging and would definitely increase the growth of Tourism.

We are at the cusp of a new era in tourism growth and development. May the next 5 years witness path breaking initiatives to realise the full potential of our industry

Vikram Madhok – Vice Chairman

SanJeet – Hon. Secretary

Jatinder Taneja – Hon Treasurer

Runeep Sangha – Executive Director