VIEWPOINT

Setting the image right

The travel industry has come a long way in setting up a friendly and hospitable image. Not so long ago, Bollywood movies showed hotels as being prominently used for anti social engagements. Today, the tour operators and travel agents are seen as technically skilled professionals, who facilitate travellers’ dreams of building a memorable experience. Comfortable accommodation at different category hotels has become an integral part of a travel plan.

Trade Associations play a key role in fostering such an amicable reputation. Bad perception is as harmful as travel advisories issued against a destination. Associations in addition to building a feel-good factor should nip in the bud any efforts that tarnish the image of the travel trade, or destination India.

One such attempt is the recent online and television campaigns of an online player which shows travel agents in poor light. Such attempts should be severely condemned and corrective action should be taken to avoid irreparable damage. Associations should take suo moto action and set an example, so that no one tries to tarnish the reputation of our travel fraternity.

Promising Indian skies

The

recent policy change for FDI and reassurance from the civil aviation minister, Ajit Singh about the abolishment of Airport Development Fee (ADF) in India needs an applause. Things are looking up, the basic policy framework is in place and now we are waiting for foreign investments to flow in.

Our domestic carriers, SpiceJet and GoAir look healthy and ready to welcome FDI. IndiGo is soaring high, in a way highlighting the opportunities existent in the industry. Further, a much awaited relief for the foreign carriers is also underway. With ADF being abolished, Indian airports will cease to be amongst the most expensive in the world. Moreover, Air India’s turnaround plan this time looks promising. Kingfisher, on the other hand, has disappointed but will hopefully restructure and come back.

Poor performance of the aviation sector last year is hopefully a thing of past and India remains the market of the future, growing steadily from pillar to pillar. The first quarter of this year already recorded a growth in the aviation sector and this growth is bound to enhance the tourism sector.