Category Archives: Trade Associations

Turkiye Tourism, OTOAI to conduct Mega Fam for members

Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has partnered with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) to organise a mega familiarisation (FAM) trip for its members.

Taking place from June 30 to July 6 2024, this initiative is dedicated to highlighting the myriad attractions of Türkiye to Indian travel agents. A total of 40 OTOAI members from across India will be participating in this exciting endeavour, representing diverse regions and tourism interests.

OTOAI’s collaboration with TGA reflects a shared commitment to nurturing tourism partnerships and facilitating meaningful exchanges within the travel industry, further strengthening ties between India and Türkiye.

The upcoming familiarisation trip will offer OTOAI members an immersive journey through Türkiye’s iconic destinations, ensuring an experience rich in cultural exploration and scenic marvels. Covering the cities of İstanbul, Antalya, and İzmir with specific visits to Pamukkale and Kuşadası, participants will explore the diverse array of attractions that Türkiye has to offer, ranging from ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders. Each stop on the itinerary is meticulously curated to highlight Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and renowned hospitality, providing OTOAI members with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s tourism offerings.

In addition to sightseeing excursions, the trip will also include strategic B2B meetings scheduled in İstanbul, where Turkish tourism sector representatives and Indian travel agents will convene to foster meaningful discussions and forge valuable partnerships. These meetings are expected to serve as a pivotal platform for collaboration, allowing industry professionals to explore innovative avenues for enhancing tourism between India and Türkiye. By facilitating dialogue and exchange, the aim is to strengthen bilateral ties and promote sustainable growth in the tourism sector, that both nations can benefit from.

Speaking about the collaboration, İsmail Bütün, General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) said, “India has emerged as a pivotal market for the Turkish tourism sector witnessing a consistent surge in Indian tourists annually. Our partnership with OTOAI propels us to further connect with and cater to discerning Indian travellers, fostering deeper cultural exchanges and enriching experiences. This endeavour will foster enduring partnerships within the Indian travel trade fraternity, enabling them to gain firsthand experience of everything Türkiye offers as a destination.”

Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “OTOAI is delighted to collaborate with TGA for this exciting initiative. As India’s leading outbound tour operators association, we are committed to promoting international travel and fostering collaborations that benefit our members and the global tourism industry at large. This familiarisation trip will provide our members with valuable insights into Türkiye’s tourism offerings and facilitate networking opportunities with key stakeholders in the Turkish tourism sector.”

In the 2023, Türkiye hosted approximately 275,000 Indian tourists, and the country anticipates a further increase for 2024.

IATO Maharashtra Chapter hosts General Meeting in Mumbai

Discusses issues regarding tour guides & upcoming annual Convention

The Maharashtra Chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) convened its General Meeting in Mumbai recently. The primary agenda of the meeting was to deliberate on their upcoming annual convention scheduled to take place in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from August 30 to September 2, as well as address the challenges confronting them regarding tour guides.

Speaking to TravelBiz Monitor on the sidelines of the meeting, Jitendra Kejriwal, Chairman, Maharashtra and Dadra, Nagar Haveli & Daman Chapter, IATO, said, “We organised the meeting to raise awareness among our members about our upcoming event in Bhopal and to address the challenges we are encountering on tour guides.”

Talking about the trend, Kejriwal said that domestic tourism business is brisk now when compared with inbound vertical. “Over the past year, we have noticed a shift where individuals who previously favoured international travel have redirected their attention to domestic tourism. They have come to recognize the abundance of worthwhile destinations within India,” remarked Kejriwal.

Dr. Sagnik Chowdhury, Deputy Director General & Regional Director (West & Central) Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, also attended the meeting. “Looking forward to working with you for the betterment of tourism in the region,” he said.

NS Rathor, Chairman, IATO Western Region, urged members to participate in large numbers at the upcoming annual convention. He also mentioned that the convention’s theme has not been finalised yet.

ATOAI, Hanifl & IMF conduct Adventure Guide Training Programme

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) in partnership with the Hanifl Centre and Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), has concluded its Adventure Guide Training Programme, an initiative aimed at empowering industry professionals with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic world of adventure tourism.

The programme spanning four days was conducted in three batches at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) from April 10 to April 21, 2024. The programme brought together adventure guides and industry stakeholders from various parts of the country; Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

The seasoned experts from the Hanifl Centre had prepared a comprehensive curriculum encompassing various aspects of adventure guiding such as Wilderness First aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Leave No Trace (LNT), Risk management, Leadership, sustainability and environmental conservation. They engaged in a combination of theoretical sessions, practical workshops and field exercises, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to real-world scenarios to hone their skills. Industry veterans and subject matter experts shared valuable insights, best practices and anecdotes, enhancing the learning journey and motivating participants to pursue excellence.

Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response and the caliber of participants in the programme. He remarked, “The Adventure Guide Training Programme serves as a cornerstone in our efforts to elevate the standards of adventure tourism in India. By providing guides with vital skills and cultivating a professional ethos, we are not just improving the safety of adventure tourists but also bolstering the sustainable advancement of the industry. ATOAI is grateful to Mr. Akshay Shah, Director Hanifl Centre and Col. Vijay Singh, VSM, President, Indian Mountaineering Foundation for their support.”

In addition to enhancing technical competencies, the programme emphasised the importance of responsible tourism practices, environmental stewardship, and cultural sensitivity. Participants were encouraged to uphold ethical standards, respect local communities, and minimize their ecological footprint, aligning with ATOAI’s commitment to promoting sustainable adventure tourism.

Participants were awarded 4 international certificates: Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Leave No Trace (LNT) Awareness Certificate.

As the adventure tourism sector continues to thrive in India, ATOAI remains committed to its mission to nurture a skilled workforce capable of providing exceptional experiences, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism and sustainability.

ATOAI endeavors to conduct similar events in all adventure tourism hubs, commencing from July 2024.

TAFI Hosts session with Spanish Consulate, spotlights Visa Surge & Tourism Interest

The Western India Chapter of TAFI (Travel Agents Federation of India), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Spain Mumbai and Tourespana, hosted a meeting for its members. A large number of members attended the meeting.

Fernando Heredia Noguer, Consul General of Spain in Mumbai, gave a presentation followed by an engaging exchange with attendees. In fact, he answered a barrage of questions from the members.

Later speaking to TravelBiz Monitor, the Consul General, said, “In 2023, we had processed almost 52,000 visas which is 30% higher when compared with 2022.”

Talking about the trend, he said that more and more travellers are now showing interest in visiting Spain. “Spain is a diverse country just like India, and people should visit other parts of the country, not just Barcelona and Madrid,” he exhorted.

It is important to mention here that Consulate General Spain (Mumbai) covers Gujarat to Kerala and from Tamil Nadu to Chatttisgarh. Noguer emphasised, “Despite facing manpower constraints, we have successfully reduced the turnaround time for Spanish visas to just 48 hours.”

He added, “Residents of Mumbai and Pune can expect their visas within 48 hours, while those residing in areas like Coimbatore etc. will receive them within 72 to 96 hours due to the longer courier transit times.”

According to Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI, the meeting was path-breaking. “It’s rare for a Consul General to willingly engage with our members and answer questions, which makes this event particularly noteworthy. I hope this sets a precedent for similar dialogues with other consulates,” remarked Prakash. He also lauded Pranav Kapadia of Global Destinations for playing a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the event.

The event also witnessed a presentation by Elisa Robles Fraga, Director, Spain Tourism Board.

Jay Kantawala, Chairman, Western India Chapter, TAFI, said that the purpose of the event was to provide education to their members regarding the Spain visa process and to promote the country as a tourism destination. He commended the Consul General while stating, “He has been extremely supportive to the industry, and has made concerted efforts to facilitate our needs.”

“We are thrilled to have hosted such a successful networking event in collaboration with TAFI’s Western India Chapter, the Consulate General of Spain, and TourEspana,” said Pranav Kapadia, Founder, Global Destinations. “The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration within the travel industry. A fantastic example of how collaboration can truly elevate the travel industry,” he added.

 

IATO’s 2024 Convention in Bhopal from Aug 30-Sept 2

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is set to host its annual convention for 2024 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from August 30 to September 2, 2024.

This event will be supported by the Government of Madhya Pradesh and MP Tourism. In the past, MP has hosted the 2015 Convention of IATO in Indore.

According to Rajnish Kaistha, Sr. VP, IATO, “The idea of hosting this Convention in Bhopal is to put the spotlight on the city, and bring it on global tourist map.”

A senior-level delegation from IATO met the Principal Secretary of MP Tourism and MP Tourism Board to reach a consensuses on this, and has also extended an invite to the CM to grace the occasion.

GBTA foresees India among Top 10 global business travel markets; plans Chapter opening by 2024

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is set to expand its footprint in the Asia Pacific region, with a particular focus on India, China, Japan, and Australia.

During her first-ever visit to India for the FCM Corporate Travel Summit, Elle Ng-Darmawan, Regional Director – APAC, GBTA, shared insights on the association’s plans, stating, “We are actively considering opening Chapters in India, China, Japan, and Australia to address the diverse dynamics in these key markets.”

Ng-Darmawan highlighted the goal of these chapters, saying, “Our aim is to foster community, learning and advocacy, to elevate the business travel experience in this vibrant region.” The intention is to collaborate closely with business travel professionals in these markets, fostering meaningful connections and collectively shape the on the future of business travel.

She underscored GBTA’s commitment to the Asia Pacific region, recognising it as the largest global hub for business travel movement. She stated, “We are committed to support education and continue to bring research insights from the GBTA Academy to share global insights, best practices to advance the region’s Business Travel landscape.”

Expressing confidence in India’s business travel potential, Ng-Darmawan stated, “As noted from GBTA’s outlook on India, India is currently ranked 9th among Top 10 markets globally for Business Travel spends and we expect India’s position to rise within the next 3 years.”

She attributed this positive outlook to India’s successful G20 Presidency in 2023, noting, “The world got a closer look at the preparedness of the destination to host large-scale events.” She cited examples such as the seamless passenger movement at Mumbai Airport, expanded airport capacity, contributing to advancements in infrastructure and connectivity to welcome global visitors.

As GBTA gears up to open country-specific chapters in Asia Pacific, the association aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of business travel in India and other key Asia Pacific markets. Ng-Darmawan’s comments highlight the association’s commitment to support knowledge exchange, and enhance awareness of industry best practices in the world’s fastest growing region business travel.