Category Archives: Trade Associations

ATOAI Convention advocates Sustainable Tourism development in India’s border areas

The 16th ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India) Convention commenced today in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on the theme of sustainable tourism development in India’s border regions.

Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI; Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (DCOAS) for Information Systems and Coordination (IS & C) of the Indian Army; Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Pasang Dorjee Sona, Tourism Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Capt. Swadesh Kumar, Founding President, ATOAI, addressed the gathering.

Senior delegates at the convention emphasized the need for responsible tourism practices that safeguard the ecological integrity of these sensitive areas while fostering economic growth and job creation.

Among the notable speakers, Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor highlighted the dual importance of showcasing the pristine beauty of border areas to the world and empowering local communities through infrastructure and employment opportunities. However, he cautioned that development must avoid the pitfalls of overtourism and adhere to eco-conscious practices.

Keynote speaker Rohit Kapur, MD of Arthur D Little, shared his insights on “Adventure Tourism, The Broader Footprint,” addressing the potential and challenges of adventure tourism in India.

The convention underscores the growing recognition of sustainable tourism as a critical component of development in border regions, with a balanced focus on ecological preservation and community upliftment.

TAFI opens registration for 2025 Convention in Vietnam

The TAFI Convention 2025 will be held in the Ninh Binh province in Northern Vietnam from January 17 to 20. The theme of the convention is “Tourism for Tomorrow: Protecting the Planet.” The association has opened registration for the convention.

Elaborating on the choice of destination and the theme, Ajay Prakash, President said “Indian tourism is booming. While inbound numbers are still below pre-Covid levels, outbound and domestic tourism are breaking all records. But an industry that is totally people-centric and which thrives on the natural beauty and the amazing diversity in the world also has a duty to protect the Planet. Sustainability has gone beyond being a mere catchword, it is the single most important need today for the tourism industry and if we are to rethink our business models and think beyond profit, the move has to come from within the industry. As the leading travel association in the country TAFI will take the lead in sensitizing our members who in turn will guide their clients towards Responsible Tourism practices.”

“Vietnam is a beautiful country and has become a very popular destination for Indian travellers, however, the beautiful Ninh Binh province remains relatively unexplored by Indian tourists and, as always, TAFI seeks to introduce our members to newer, lesser known destinations. It also reinforces our belief that tourism must move beyond the usual popular destinations,” he added.

Anil Kalsi, Vice President, TAFI, added “The Provincial government of Ninh Binh has been extremely supportive and the Department of Tourism has laid out the red carpet for TAFI delegates. Our members can look forward to a memorable Convention.”

Speaking about the format of the Convention, Abbas Moiz, National General Secretary added “TAFI is offering members a 3 night Convention at an incredible price of Rs. 15,999/- per person on twin sharing. We have also negotiated great prices with DMCs for some exciting pre and post-Convention tours. Our members can contact them directly to take advantage of the special prices. Similarly, members are free to choose between the various airlines offering direct or connecting services to Vietnam and take a stop enroute.”
Hitank Shah, National Treasurer clarified that the Convention package starts and concludes at Hanoi airport. “We will have shuttles from Hanoi airport to Ninh Binh from early in the morning on 17th January until midday and again back from Ninh Binh to Hanoi airport on the 20th to facilitate our members arriving and departing on different flights.”

Seeraj Sabharwal, Chairman of the Convention committee concluded the briefing by mentioning the various options for additional tours that the delegates can take to Da Nang and the Bana Hills, or a cruise in Halong bay, or a visit to the lovely beach at
Ho Tram. “We promise a Convention full of compelling content, delicious food and exciting entertainment”, he said.

Participation is restricted to official agency representatives and their spouses, TAFI is restricting numbers and will close registrations at 400 delegates, the Early Bird offer closes on 6th December.

Le Quang Bien, Consul General of Vietnam in Mumbai, said, “ “We are honored to welcome the TAFI Convention 2025 in the beautiful province of Ninh Binh, a destination that truly represents the natural and cultural heritage of Vietnam. This event reflects the deepening ties between Vietnam and India, as tourism plays a vital role in strengthening our relationship. We greatly value the efforts of TAFI in promoting lesser-explored destinations like Ninh Binh to Indian travelers, who are increasingly choosing Vietnam for their journeys.

The theme, ‘Tourism for Tomorrow: Protecting the Planet,’ aligns perfectly with Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable tourism and preserving our environment for future generations. We look forward to showcasing the unique experiences that Vietnam has to offer and welcoming TAFI delegates to discover the charm and hospitality of Ninh Binh. Together, we can inspire a new wave of responsible tourism that benefits both our people and the planet.”

 

 

 

TAFI heads to Vietnam from January 17 to 20 for 2025 Convention

The Travel Agents Federation (TAFI) has selected Vietnam as the host destination for its 2025 Convention. The Ninh Binh Province will see congregation of Indian travel trade for this showcase.

Brimming with excitement, TAFI President Ajay Prakash is happy to offer the association members an opportunity to explore a newer Asian destination from January 17 to 20.

Talking to TravelBiz Monitor, Prakash stated that the convention will be a three-night event (January 17–19) with the theme Tourism for Tomorrow: Protecting the Planet. He mentioned that Vietnam is one of the countries that appear to be serious about sustainable tourism. “The Ninh Binh Province is just a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi Aairport,” Prakash said.

Speaking about the Ninh Binh Province, he noted that it is a lesser-known destination for Indians but has significant potential in terms of tourism. “TAFI always prefers to organise its conventions in lesser-known destinations with considerable growth potential. This time, we have followed the same principle,” Prakash pointed out.

Prakash emphasised that TAFI is offering its delegates only a three-night convention. “We are not booking flights for them or arranging pre- or post-familiarisation tours,” he said. He added that all their delegates are from the travel industry and are well-versed in booking tickets and handling visa processes.

“TAFI will focus on the three-night convention and its content, ensuring that the event is flawlessly organised. We will pick up delegates from Hanoi airport and drop them back after the convention,” Prakash revealed. He further mentioned that TAFI would stop registrations once 400 people have signed up. “We can accommodate a maximum of 450 people, but no more than that,” he said.

He also confirmed that the media would be part of the convention.

TravelBiz Monitor Launches Multi-Partner, Multi-City B2B Roadshows to Redefine Industry Collaboration

TravelBiz Monitor has unveiled a series of transformative multi-partner, multi-city B2B roadshows aimed at facilitating business opportunities for both exhibitors and visitors, while fostering collaboration and growth within the travel industry. The first two roadshows, held in Nagpur and Bhopal, have successfully concluded, setting a strong precedent for the upcoming events.

The unique half-day events will delve into Tier-II and Tier-III cities, unlocking untapped markets with immense potential. Spanning 4-5 hours, the sessions include networking opportunities, insightful presentations, and meaningful dialogues, enabling participants to engage directly with key decision-makers from travel agencies, tour operators, wedding planners, event managers, and other vital sectors of the travel trade.

Held at premium 4-star and 5-star hotels, each event artfully blends business with leisure. Attendees will enjoy a curated lunch or cocktails and dinner, fostering a relaxed yet professional environment for impactful conversations.

The event serves as a dynamic platform uniting industry leaders, including representatives from airlines, visa facilitators, travel insurance providers, destination promoters, and B2B aggregators. This 360-degree approach offers comprehensive travel solutions, giving participants the tools to innovate and enhance their offerings.

Each partner will enjoy prominent visibility through 10-minute presentation slots, providing a stage to showcase their unique offerings to an audience of 80-100+ travel professionals. These professionals represent a mix of potential partners, collaborators, and clients, creating an ecosystem of growth and innovation.

What sets the TravelBiz Meetings apart is their multi-city format. Designed to transcend geographical boundaries, the events span strategic locations, helping participants connect with diverse markets and unlock new opportunities.

With TravelBiz Monitor at the helm, this initiative is not just about roadshows—it’s a strategic journey towards collaboration and success in a rapidly evolving industry.

ATOAI sets sight on Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh for Convention starting on December 3

Arunachal’s Adventure Tourism Potential Shines at ATOAI’s Pre-Convention Event Curtain Raiser Event for ATOAI’s 16th Annual Convention Concludes Successfully Co Hosted by the Department of Tourism Govt of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) hosted the Curtain Raiser for its 16th Annual Convention at The Park Hotel, New Delhi, setting the stage for an event scheduled to take place in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from December 3 to 8, 2024.

This evening event highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s vast potential as a global adventure tourism hub while emphasising ATOAI’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices.

The event began with an engaging address by Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, who emphasised the transformative potential of sustainable adventure tourism. “Arunachal Pradesh is India’s Last Shangri-La and our next big adventure destination. This convention will set the stage for responsible adventure tourism and showcase how sustainability is the future of our industry. This convention promises to be a milestone event, further positioning Arunachal Pradesh and North East India at the forefront of adventure tourism in India and the world,” he remarked.

This sentiment was echoed by Oken Tayeng, MLA and Convention Chairperson, who called Arunachal “a playground of possibilities” and underlined the need for a sustainable roadmap to unlock its adventure tourism potential.

Adding to the evening’s momentum, Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the importance of collaboration in developing adventure tourism in India. He noted, “India’s natural assets make it a top contender for global adventure tourism and Arunachal is a shining gem of the country.”

Ranphoa Ngowa, Secretary of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, further emphasised the state’s readiness to host global adventure seekers, pointing out its unique combination of untouched rivers, dense forests and rich tribal heritage.

The Tourism Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pasang Dorjee Sona, addressed the audience with a vision for positioning Arunachal as a global leader in adventure tourism. He highlighted the region’s unparalleled opportunities for activities such as river rafting, paragliding, and trekking, while also showcasing the significant strides made in infrastructure and connectivity. “This convention is not just about showcasing our breathtaking landscapes; it’s about our commitment to responsible tourism. We aim to ignite global interest in Arunachal as a premier destination for adventure, where culture and nature coexist harmoniously,” he said.

The evening also featured a captivating short film, Exploring Arunachal – India’s Last Shangri- La, which left the audience captivated by the state’s pristine beauty and cultural richness. A dynamic Q&A session followed, allowing attendees and media representatives to delve deeper into the convention’s objectives and Arunachal’s adventure tourism offerings.

Reflecting on the success of the evening, Vaibhav Kala, Senior Vice President of ATOAI, expressed gratitude to all attendees and emphasised the role of the convention in reshaping perceptions of adventure tourism in India. “This is the start of a fabulous journey for Arunachal Pradesh to become one of the top adventure travel destinations on the planet, rivalling regions in Peru, Chile, Costa Rica and many more: with a roadmap for developing adventure tourism in the State,” he remarked.

 

WTTC and VFS Global have been collaborating on many destination focused studies on travel and tourism impact.

WTTC Global Summit moves to Rome, Italy for 2025 edition

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) has announced the Italian capital of Rome as the host city for the 2025 WTTC Global Summit.

The 2025 Global Summit marks the first time the event will be held in the historic heart of Italy, the seat of ancient empires and cultural heritage.

One of the world’s most popular destinations, the Global Summit in Italy will see business leaders and government delegations from around the world, converge in the city to discuss the latest challenges facing the sector, as well as the solutions of tomorrow.

Scheduled for late 2025, the 25th Global Summit will be staged in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism and marks a significant return to Europe after six years.

The 2019 WTTC Global Summit took place in Seville, Spain, with 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, addressing delegates.

The 2024 Summit in Perth, Western Australia concluded with nearly 800 delegates from more than 50 countries, and over 100 journalists from around the world.

The global tourism body’s summit featured insights from leading figures such as John Kerry, the 68th Secretary of State of the United States, and Robert Irwin, one of Australia’s foremost conservationists, reflecting on pressing global environmental challenges and the role of tourism in addressing them.

Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC, stated “The success of our 2024 Global Summit is a testament to the enduring appeal and innovation within the Travel & Tourism sector. I want to extend my thanks to the team at Tourism Western Australia for all their work, in making this Summit a reality.

“History shows that all roads lead to Rome, and in 2025 that’s certainly true as we head to a global city steeped in history, yet vibrantly forward-looking.”

Daniela Santanchè, Minister of Tourism, Italy, emphasized, “I am proud, as the Minister of Tourism of Italy, to announce that our nation will host the WTTC Global Summit in October 2025.

“This event is recognised as the most important setting for dialogue between governments and the private sector, where leaders shape the future of global Travel & Tourism. We look forward to welcoming our guests and Members of WTTC to Rome, a city rich in history and innovation.”

The 25th WTTC Global Summit will serve as a prime opportunity to showcase Italy’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary tourist offerings to the world’s leading travel executives.

The Summit also addressed key issues and growth strategies globally and shone a spotlight on the Oceania Travel & Tourism sector, setting the stage for continued discussion and innovation in Rome.