WITT to hold Conclave “Mission with A Vision” in May 2022 to Celebrate Women Empowerment: TAAI

WITT to hold Conclave “Mission with A Vision” in May 2022 to Celebrate Women Empowerment: TAAI

Women have always been an integral part of the tourism domain. Addressing the need of acknowledging the contribution of Women, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) initiated the formation of WITT – Women in TAAI and Tourism, in 2021. The core objective behind this is to involve “Woman in Travel Tourism & Hospitality” to join hands to empower the women of India to become entrepreneurs.

While sharing the details of the newest initiative and announcing details of the upcoming Conclave to celebrate Women Empowerment, Jyoti Mayal, President said that WITT aims to leverage the Indian travel tourism and hospitality industry to empower women with the opportunity to fulfill their economic and individual potential while growing the sector. ‘This sector has a huge value chain & an unmeasurable deliverance scope, which we all definitely need to invest in. This is the first “Mission with A Vision” & we intend to hold many such in India & abroad.’ she added.

Jay Bhatia, Vice President, elaborated that, we will act as a facilitator to make women equal stakeholders in the nation's development and recognize the noteworthy contribution made by them. And, in addition, provide skill development and employability opportunities to women along with mentoring and networking workshops and events, not only in urban but rural India too.

Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Secretary General, informed that the current President of TAAI is also the Chairperson of the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), and hence the conclave is being organized under her leadership utilizing the strengths of both TAAI & THSC to focus on Tourism and the Skilling perspective. Lokesh stated that we intend to deliberate upon excelling and supporting the working women in the Travel, Tourism & Hospitality sector & welcome many more to join in.

Adding to the same, Shreeram Patel, Hon. Treasurer said that the Conclave will focus on both women & men, as we strongly believe there is a huge interdependence between both sexes & we need each other's support to empower women & together be powered to coexist in this society.

News | TAAI 66th Convention in Sri Lanka Signs Tripartite agreement with SLTPB and SLAITO

TAAI 66th Convention in Sri Lanka Signs Tripartite agreement with SLTPB and SLAITO

On the invitation from the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Board (SLTPB) and Sri Lankan Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), TAAI shall be holding its 66th Convention in Sri Lanka from 19th – 22nd April 2022.

A tripartite agreement was signed on 23rd February 2022 between the parties in Colombo. TAAI will be organizing its 66th Convention in Sri Lanka in April 2022. Sri Lankan counterparts shall be extending full support in terms of accommodation, logistics, and all arrangements to welcome around 400-500 delegates from India’s oldest and nodal Travel & Tourism Association, stated Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, President of TAAI.

This convention shall not only strengthen bilateral tourism ties between the two countries but, will act as a catalyst in reviving the travel industry for both countries post the pandemic, she added. We shall create opportunities to sell products of Sri Lanka as a tourism destination but also shall be promoting Incredible India to local Sri Lankan stakeholder partners.

Jay Bhatia, Vice President stated that TAAI Conventions (Indian Travel Congress) are the most eagerly awaited events of the Travel & Tourism industry not only in India but in the overseas markets as well.

The visibility this annual event of TAAI brings to the global tourism stakeholders is fantastic. Generally, 500 to 1000 TAAI delegates are offered an excellent opportunity to network; attended b2b interactions, promote or buy, and more importantly take home some great learnings from the knowledge sessions and updated information from the destination. We are excited and are looking forward to a great opportunity after nearly 2 decades to come back to Sri Lanka for our Congress.

TAAI has a large membership who is actively involved in several industry verticals, and thus its focus is to promote these effectively and connect members with opportunities for all stakeholders i.e., Airline Ticketing, Outbound Tourism, MICE & Specialty Events, Adventure sports, Rail Journeys, and Self-drives, Cruises, Destination Promotion, Wellness, and Weddings, etc. said Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Secretary-General.

TAAI does these conventions for Facilitation of Bilateral Tourism, Interactions with Dignitaries i.e., Diplomatic Missions, Governments, High Commissioners, Ambassadors, etc. and Networking Events / Knowledge Sessions / Round Tables added Shreeram Patel, Hon. Treasurer.

The 66th Convention shall be historic, creating greater opportunities and enhancing travel and tourism from and to India, to create opportunities post the crisis of the pandemic.

Present on the occasion from SLTPB and SLAITO to sign the MoU were Managing Director of SLTPB Ms. KPP Siriwardana, Mr. DP Daluwatte, Director Events, President of SLAITO Mr. Thilak Weerasinghe, IPP Mr. Maheen Kariyawasan, along with their core teams and committee members and the 4 National Office Bearers of TAAI.

TAAI seeks immediate attention & action on GST rationalisations and TCS in letter to Finance Minister

TAAI seeks immediate attention & action on GST rationalizations and TCS in letter to Finance Minister

In a letter drafted to the Union Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has presented certain important points, which requires Ministry’s prompt attention especially in the upcoming Budget 2022. Speaking on which, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said that the pandemic has created a havoc for the travel trade for nearly two years now with no respite to the members from the government. “As the President of one of the oldest travel associations of India, I would like to bring into notice, inbound tourism business; GST competition internationally: there is a huge gap between what overseas agents charge and what our members - tour operators and travel agents are required to charge.

She further spoke about GST input credits as to how hotels be allowed to charge IGST, which will enable seamless availability of credit across India. "Tour operators to be enabled a special presumptive GST rate of 1.8 per cent with full GST setoffs, travel agents to be allowed the option of exploring the reseller model for charging," she said expressing concerns on various other matters and seeking an immediate action.

Adding to which Jay Bhatia, VP, TAAI further said that tourist transporters should also be allowed the provision for availing GST setoffs on the interstate tourist transport taxes, taxes on parking fees and taxes on fuel which is their biggest input costs. “GST on travel and tourism related services must be given a tax holiday for atleast two years, so as to increase the business and bypass the competition, due to the pandemic concerns, where business has dropped to nearly zero, ” he said.

Talking about the Tax collected at source (TCS) Bettaiah Lokesh, HSG, TAAI commented on some points like ease of doing business, displace business from Indian travel companies to companies out of India, removing the safety net from Indian travellers and further explained other points as well with their cons and pros. He added that under the points mentioned, and due to the waste of time in ensuring compliances, loss in business due to inflated pricing due to GST and TCS, deviation of business from TAAI members to online companies and other travel agents overseas, we the association once again appeal to abolish TCS.

In the concluding part of the letter, Shreeram Patel, Treasurer, TAAI put forth his views and quoted, "We as an association are fully aligned to the nation’s need of enhancing tax compliance. Ensuring tax compliance on travel can effectively be done through pan cards, Aadhaar cards and passport detail records of the travel booker, as an alternative, which is already being done.

The TAAI office bearers unanimously in the letter addressed to Sitharaman, said that despite the same, if there is still a gap in the tax coverage, they would be happy to discuss a way forward with the Ministry. "This will also help us mutually develop a process, which can lead to resolving multiple queries on this topic. We as an association, seek the Ministry’s immediate attention and action on GST rationalisations and TCS to be withdrawn," the association said.

Budget Expectations 2022 - TAAI

Budget Expectations 2022 - TAAI

As President of TAAI, I very strongly believe there are several aspects which can be expected in the upcoming budget session to support the entire sector holistically ‘Travel Tourism & Hospitality’ which will help in making this sector survive, revive & economically support India to become the largest hub for the world. For this, it is extremely important for both the central and state governments to work in tandem to facilitate this sector & support it to be included in the concurrent list to get Industry Status to make it more structured.

The government should strive to increase the disposable income of the middle classes so that discretionary spending will rise. Concrete steps should be taken to improve the cash flows and reduce the working capital burden on start-ups, existing MSMEs & SMEs. Access to easy credit, reducing income tax rate & GST tax rate, abolishment of TCS & wage support with ease of business. Strengthening MSMEs, creating a fund of funds scheme for technology adoption for use in industry 4.0, reviving the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) for technology up-gradation.

To revive this struggling sector, we need ‘One India One Tourism’ approach inclusive of ‘One Tax Structure.’ Important points to be considered are E visa fees waiver for all tourist visas for 2022-2023, to support inbound revival Export status for tourism export earnings to support the inbound revival. Doubled, expenditure allocation for tourism ministry to enable intensive global reach out to support the inbound revival. Domestic income tax travel credit for Indian citizens and Indian companies to support domestic retail and domestic mice pickup. Global bidding fund to enable bidding support to Indian mice companies to bring global mice events to India. Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) extension for tourism and hospitality. ATF ought to be brought under the GST to make air travel more viable for the entire aviation stakeholders.

Lastly & most vital is a structured mechanism to future secure travel agents’ payments to ensure that we create security for our travel agents & operators’ survival. Travel agents’ payments to principals are unsecured credit and we need to ensure that some form of mechanisms whether escrow or guarantee or underwriting-based mechanisms are in place to ensure that travel agents’ money stays secure.

Increasing air bubble flight agreements with more countries will give much-needed impetus to business: TAAI

Increasing air bubble flight agreements with more countries will give much-needed impetus to business: TAAI

Soon after the Indian government signed yet another air bubble travel agreement with Australia, followed by signing the dotted lines with Saudi Arabia there are speculations and responses all around in the industry, mostly of which are positive, and the increasing agreements are being looked upon as some sigh of relief for Indian aviation fraternity. After the latest agreement, direct flights between India and Saudi Arabia will commence soon, as the agreement will come into effect from January 1, 2022.

Speaking on the development, Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) praised the government for taking a wise step in these times and expanding its air bubble flight agreement count for the betterment of travel and tourism sector and also the economy as a whole. “Such tough times call for an immediate action and I think this is the best that could be done to avoid travel difficulties to some extent,” she commented.

With this agreement India has now an air bubble agreement with 34 countries including Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain Kenya, Kuwait, Oman, Russia and so on. Commenting on which Jay Bhatia, VP, TAAI said that this has come as a good sign, and it has not only expanded the horizons of international travel for Indian travellers but has also worked as an element strengthening bilateral bonds. “The government earlier had informed the Parliament that they have proposals from 10 countries to sign the air bubble agreements out of which Australia and Saudi Arabia have been accepted as of now and definitely more to follow,” he said.

“Scheduled international passenger flight operations will remain suspended in India till January 31 meanwhile agreements like these could work as a stepney in taking business forward which already has seen an avalanche of ups and downs during Covid crisis,” Bettaiah Lokesh, HSG, TAAI mentioned.

“Air Bubble agreements are one of the best solutions aimed at restarting commercial passenger services between the two countries when regular international flights are suspended due to Covid and the best part about these agreements is that they are reciprocative in nature which allows airlines from both the countries to enjoy similar benefits,” stated Shreeram Patel, Treasurer, TAAI.

TAAI to MoT: the Year 2022 is to stabilize and sustain Travel and Tourism Trade

TAAI to MoT: the Year 2022 is to stabilize and sustain Travel and Tourism Trade

Mrs Jyoti Mayal, TAAI President, handed over a Focus 2022 document to Mr. Arvind Singh, Secretary – Tourism. TAAI paid its gratitude and appreciated the ministry’s efforts and support extended to the travel trade during the tough times. The letter highlights key points for the year 2022 and how with the ministry’s support and encouragement tourism and travel trade would stabilise and sustain.

Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI highlighted the key point of accreditation with MoT and requested for undertaking a state-wise registration drive along with TAAI, for the trade members to register with MoT; relax norms for over 1400 IATA accredited agents who are members of TAAI and automating the registration process.

The services sector is the largest contributor to the GDP and, travel trade being the most significant one amongst all, travel trade fraternity needs to be educated and upgraded continuously, especially under the ministry’s aegis, to aptly showcase our nation's quality of providing the best services with appropriate knowledge, she added.

Jay Bhatia, Vice President elaborated that TAAI wishes to commence certified educational programs for its members and the entire trade on Incredible India. “Training on NDC / GDS / Visa Rules, Inbound, Outbound, MICE organisers, Education on financial matters, agro-tourism packages etc., are a few programs that could be designed by TAAI on the basis of the experience and expertise its members hold because of the understanding of the challenges and being part of the trade since many decades.

Bettaiah Lokesh, HSG contributed that the Indian travel trade faces a lot of challenges while promoting both inbound and outbound tourism, and competing in the global world, especially pertaining to the GST, TCS, Credit Control, Tax rebates, incentives, support and much more. Taxes like such need to be abolished or at least substantially reduced, to start with, so that our Indian Travel Trade can compete in both inbound and outbound market and generate a huge foreign exchange for the exchequer.

Shreeram Patel, the Hon. Treasurer highlighted and emphasised the importance of MoT being the one point of contact for all issues of travel trade and ensuring that other Ministries in the government support and encourage the fraternity to do business with ease.

TAAI National office bearers unanimously, in the Focus 2022 document, urged that these points must be jointly addressed to ensure that India leaps in the future to regain its past glory and acclaim the title of “Sone ki Chidiya” once again.

TAAI discusses challenges faced by Travel Trade regarding Issuance of Visas with VFS

President Jyoti Mayal urged VFS to form transparent policies & create better opportunities for TAAI members by adopting smooth working & better implementation.

TAAI joined hands with VFS to organise an interactive session for members of the Northern Region; including Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand chapters on 15th December 2021. The meeting was initiated by Punjab Chairman Rtn. Gurjeet Singh Sekhon under the leadership of the President Jyoti Mayal & witnessed active participation of Devesh Kumar Agarwal, Chairman - Visa & Allied Services Council, Neeraj Malhotra, Chairman - Northern Region; Syed Mohammad Akhlaq, Chairman, UPUK; Harraj Singh Sidhu, Chairman, Chandigarh.

The objective was to listen, understand, and seek VFS support to address the challenges faced by the travel trade fraternity. With the world opening in a phase-wise manner and wooing travellers, it is imperative to discuss how TAAI members and VFS may facilitate the smooth issuance of visas with the support of foreign missions.

TAAI team delivered introductory remarks and welcomed the five team members of VFS senior management. While emphasizing the need of seeking clarity from the VFS on the visa-issuance process and limited dates of appointment. All the Chairmen present shared the concerns of their members and impediments being faced due to the lack of clarity, ambiguity & seamless practices by the missions.

Pointing to the fast spread of Omicron, the TAAI team stated that the industry was on the trajectory of revival; however, now it seems slightly fragile.

Unscrupulous agents are sabotaging the image of the Indian travel trade industry by charging exorbitantly high service fees and adopting uneven means of facilitating appointments which is a matter of great concern, TAAI team clarified and urged the VFS to take immediate action in this regard.

TAAI members from the Punjab region specifically advocated the need of having a level playing for the entire travel trade fraternity. They referred to cases and brought to the notice of the VFS team the instances whereby few select individuals or agents have been able to seek appointments for their clients; however, on the other hand, many were not able to despite approaching the VFS centre well in advance.

During the question answers session, members categorically stated to the VFS team regarding the importance of having a helpline with an efficient and knowledgeable team, who could address their concerns over the phone. Or, perhaps, a more transparent URL, with rich content, which could address bottlenecks for the traveller and the agent in a much speedy manner.

TAAI National, Regional, and State Level teams in one voice echoed their request to hold a joint meeting, at the earliest, to address travel trade concerns raised during the interaction and otherwise also, which was seconded by more than hundred members who were present during the webinar.

VFS team represented by senior management was very receptive & assured to look into all the processes, hold joint meetings with TAAI & missions to bring about better facilitation processes wherever possible.

They further requested members to share their concerns in writing, allowing them to document and refer to while elucidating the clarification. In addition, the team stated that they were bringing in certain changes in the system within the next three weeks, the implementation of which would address some of the concerns raised. The VFS team assured TAAI for always bettering their services & continue to work in close collaboration.

Amadeus’ upcoming NDC enabled solutions will give first-hand updates to TAAI members on industry trends: Jyoti Mayal.

Amadeus’ upcoming NDC enabled solutions will give first-hand updates to TAAI members on industry trends: Jyoti Mayal.

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has associated with Amadeus to educate its members on NDC and termed it the way forward for airline ticketing to enhance and up sell activities to clients. The association has a motive to prepare its members for the future technological changes to adopt, educate and enhance the business potential through the New Distribution Capability (NDC) along with Amadeus 1A platform.

During the webinar, Rakesh Bansal, CEO, Amadeus India & Subcontinent talked about how travel powers progress and Amadeus powers travel and how his company has pioneered the travel technology market in India for 27 years now. Moving forward, Bansal invited, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI and talked about her vision to raise the standards of tourism industry.

Mayal during her addressal emphasised on the need to focus on two words as of now that is “Re”; restructuring, rebooting, re-aligning to rebound businesses which has seen a massive setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Going down in the history, TAAI and Amadeus have had a long relationship and we are once again collaborating for our mutual benefits. NDC is basically a new communication protocol replaced by the old protocol that has been around since 1980’s and through this channel we are allowing airline service providers to deliver rich content to our customers since this is the only way to market ourselves and develop a distinguish brand name,” she stated.

Mayal further added that their top priority as a travel Association is to cater to the needs of customers which has doubled since this pandemic. “Therefore, not just collaboration but actively working on it to bring about the desired results is the need of the hour for the re-emergence of the businesses,” she commented.

Going forward, NDC expert Ramona Bohwonaprasart, Senior VP- India & Southeast Asia - Inside Sales Travel Sellers, Amadeus talked about the relevance of NDC for the industry stakeholders and shared the global perspective of its use. She then handed over to Nitesh Senapati, Head of NDC growth, APAC, Amadeus and Swati Bhatia, Head Products and Solutions – Indian Subcontinent, Amadeus India, were also present as speakers and presented the data and spoke about India being the potential scorer despite uncertainty around. They echoed thoughts shared by Mayal and put forth how NDC is bringing these retailing capabilities to life. “Amadeus has prepared a stable platform where all the queries of travel industry stakeholders would be addressed, we are among the only ones that have a fully open system, providing flexibility and scalability” mentioned Senapati. He further highlighted the points like high normalisation, integration, operational efficiency, and dual payment method that makes Amadeus different from others in the market.

Mayal also included in the discussion the benefits that TAAI members could garner. “They can get the latest updates on industry trends and Amadeus’ upcoming NDC enabled solutions first-hand from the industry experts like the booking of NDC content on Amadeus, selling platform connect, checking out the key capabilities, how to get connected to NDC content in Amadeus. They could further learn about latest airlines that are Amadeus NDC enabled and insights on future NDC roadmap,” she said.

Bhatia while concluding the webinar showcased all the features of the system and also compared it to other platforms, singling out key features like its availability only on graphical user interface which makes it unique and easy to access.

TAAI members actively participated in this educative webinar & many questions were raised & answered. This truly was one of the most educative webinar.

TAAI congratulates ICC for successfully organising Annual Session & AGM, joins interactive session with Jyotiraditya Scindia

TAAI President Jyoti Mayal had a fruitful interactive discussion with the Union Aviation Minister virtually where he was very positive on collaborations and working together with travel trade to support the industry.

The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organised its Annual Session and AGM virtually where they invited the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia as Chief Guest to interact with members and industry stakeholders on Bharat@75. Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) also joined the session and held a fruitful discussion with the Minister where he showed positive intent on growth-oriented collaborations and working together with travel trade and tour operators to support the industry.

Mayal, who is also the Chairperson of the Travel and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and Member of the ICC Aviation & Tourism Steering Committee on the occasion congratulated ICC for successfully organising Annual Session & AGM and said that she is very pleased hearing Scindia’s positive and futuristic youth approach and feels excited to have him as the Union Minister of Civil Aviation. “I would like your intervention and consideration for the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to think beyond airlines and also towards our 3,000 plus memberships, mainly comprising of IATA agents. We sometimes feel as orphans by not having anyone we could work in collaboration with & bear the brunt of no ease of business, no consideration of policies, no collaborative understandings, no one to share our pleasure and pain specially when airlines default and take away our & the consumers hard earned tax paid income.

She further requested the travel trade associations to the Minister and MoCA’s advisory board or task force. “As we are the catalyst of growth for aviation and as travel agents are the ones who fill the bellies and the seats of the aircrafts and are also a strong link to develop tourism and avenue to employ people in this huge value chain of the industry. We are the ones who will be able to create a robust aviation & tourism industry according to the vision of our Honourable Prime Minister.

During her interaction, Mayal asked the Minister to discuss the opportunities to work together in detail. “Jyotiraditya Scindia ji, can we expect ease of business and opportunity to discuss this further with you on priority to build an Atmanirbhar industry and a robust ecosystem of growth for everyone,” she commented.

NEWS | Another feather in the cap as one more tourist destination opens its gates after a long covid wait: TAAI

Another feather in the cap as one more tourist destination opens its gates after a long covid wait: TAAI

A significant drop in Covid-19 cases and increased vaccination pace has led to a rise in tourist footfall in the state of Odisha. Industry insiders are very happy that normalcy is returning and hoped for a fast recovery in business.

Expressing her happiness towards the revival of tourism business and congratulating Government of Odisha, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) President, Jyoti Mayal commented that it is indeed a much-needed step on the government’s part which will encourage other states too in the same direction. “Covid did take a lot from us, now it is time to compensate for all the losses faced during the pandemic,” she said.

“After the prolonged curbs for over 18 months, tourists are showing a strong desire to travel & are registering a month-on-month increase in demand. It is indeed a brilliant start to the tourist season with rooms almost full during the weekend and a sizeable number of domestic visitors flocking to spots. If the current situation continues then the recovery could be done in lesser time,” mentioned Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI.

Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon Secretary General, TAAI stated, “The government of Odisha is leaving no stone unturned and coinciding with the upbeat mood of tourists by organising series of exciting events, including glamping at seven eco-retreat sites. A collective effort is required for the better and early revival of tourism sector which got massively hit during pandemic days.”

Whereas, Shreeram Patel, Hon Treasurer, TAAI went on to thank the Government of India for a successful vaccine drive in the country which has encouraged travellers and has created a sense of safety amongst people of all walks.

NEWS | Another big tick on the list as Singapore & India reaches agreement on commercial flights: TAAI

Another big tick on the list as Singapore & India reaches agreement on commercial flights: TAAI

Commenting on the proposed resumption of flights between India and Singapore from November 29 under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL), Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) extended her warm wishes and gratitude to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation on the resumption of scheduled commercial flights between the two countries.

Singapore’s VTL with India will start with six designated flights daily from Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai. Applications for vaccinated travel passes for short-term and long-term pass holders from India will start from November 29. ‘’Taking such a step-in time of Covid prevalence is indeed a bold move which will not only strengthen the relations between the two countries but will also work as a revival of tourism sector’. I strongly feel that more commercial flights are needed to revive inbound tourism to India,” she further quoted.

Airlines can also operate non-VTL flights between the two countries, although passengers on non-VTL flights will be subjected to the prevailing public health requirements. “We at TAAI have been in constant dialogue with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. The opening of the skies for international commercial passenger routes highlighting our concerns on ease of doing business,” commented Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI.

Taking positive efforts, TAAI Southern Region in association with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) organised a travel webinar earlier this year in July which witnessed a large participation. “Such productive decisions are always welcomed by tourism sector and travel associations as the good part of the economy is dependent on travel and tourism. Economy everywhere needs a good revival especially after Covid trauma,” Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon Secretary General, TAAI.

“Travel agents continue to be acknowledged as one-stop solutions for customers, guiding and professionally managing all aspects of domestic and/or international travel which now includes complying with Covid requirements of departing and arriving at destinations,” said Shreeram Patel, Hon Treasurer, TAAI as he also extended his thanks to the authorities of both the countries.

NEWS | May this Deepawali bring back the endurance for travel trade & the industry prospers together: Jyoti Mayal

May this Deepawali bring back the endurance for travel trade & the industry prospers together: Jyoti Mayal

In her message to association members and the travel trade, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said that the industry is once again picking up and is expected to deliver at par in the coming months.

She mentioned, “At the outset, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all of you for your exemplary support and cooperation extended to TAAI and to the Chair of President which I have been bestowed with, in the year 2019, with your blessings. As we all know and have experienced that the travel trade industry has been going through its toughest time as compared to the last many decades. However, I would like to profoundly appreciate the sincere efforts made by each one of you in keeping the confidence intact, of people attached to the travel trade, by your continued efforts in keeping the show running at TAAI. Thank you so much!”

On the special occasion of Deepawali, she wished and hoped that the festival will bring back the endurance for travel trade and the industry will prosper together, especially after the eventualities caused by the pandemic. “On this special occasion of Deepawali, I am writing this to wish you and your families, good health, prosperity, success and happiness,” she said.

“It is my privilege to share that travel trade is once again picking up and is expected to deliver at par in the coming months. I truly appreciate the way members have coordinated with each other, central and state governments and worked efficiently disseminating vital information related to rules, regulations, and protocols. I once again would like to thank you for all your hard work and sheer dedication towards travel trade & TAAI and hope that this will continue for years to come by. Have a wonderful Deepawali and a prosperous new year ahead,” Mayal further added.

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NEWS | 3rd edition of DPIIT – ASCON Consultation Forum

Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI and Member Board – CII National Committee on Tourism and Hospitality represented Travel Trade Fraternity at the 3rd edition of DPIIT – ASCON Consultation Forum with Industry Associations’ theme “Stimulating Growth for Aatmanirbhar Bharat -Leveraging Opportunities Post Pandemic” on 9 October 2021 which was jointly organized by ASCON, CII, and supported by DPIIT, Government of India. The meeting was presided over by the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri. Piyush Goyal. 

TAAI has actively participated & submitted its inputs and supported CII’s National Tourism Councils perspective, to the Government of India. Tourism is a significant sector & contributes 9% to the GDP of our country & nearly equal in employment.

The Six key recommendations were collated into a presentation under Investments, Cost of doing business, Ease of doing business, Trade Policy, Technology & R&D & Job creation & Skills. These were put forth to Shri. Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution during the report-back session.

Sharing some of the key recommendations by the entire committee. 

• Inclusion of Tourism in Concurrent list. The National Tourism Policy has had multiple deliberations, but a revised policy is still awaited.

• Waiver of statutory dues and licenses. ECLGS 5.0 for disbursing another 20% on outstanding loans.

• Govt. to restore SEIS to 7% for travel and 5% for hotels & to restore without legal entity wise capping of 5 crores.

• Auto-renewal of licenses without any fees for this financial year.

• Enabling investments in the industry in a time-bound manner through single-window clearances.

• Promote travel spending LTA Tax Exemption and Allow a 200 per cent weighted exemption. Need of National Tourism Fund to be created.

• An empowered Taskforce to be created with members from the Industry, Ministry of Commerce, Tourism, Environment, Shipping, Civil Aviation and Culture.

• To restart scheduled international flights in tandem with tourist visas to stimulate inbound tourism & necessary provision to be made in the new Foreign Trade Policy 2021-26 for custom duty waiver.

• Opening up tourism by starting e-visa, through Vaccine certificates & promoting India as a Safe Tourist Destination. Campaigns to attract young talent.

• Skill Development and Training in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Travel agents to be reskilled through certified courses. TTT courses. Endorsement/certification by Government. Rebates to be given for investments in skilling.

We believe working in tandem and a collaborated manner, emphasizing the ease of business, incentivization, effective skilling with the formation of a national task force, creating tourism fund & being included in the concurrent list is the need of the hour. And, the government needs to support & establish all these & bring corrective policies to see the growth of the Travel & Tourism sector to build a strong economically driven Atmanirbhar India, added Jyoti Mayal.