Turn great expectations into reality
Ahead of the 32nd Annual Convention, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is engaged in various initiatives for the well-being of its members and the trade. In a candid interview to TRAVTALK, Pronab Sarkar, President, IATO, shares the associati
IATO’s 32nd Annual Convention will be held in Chennai from September 18-21. Pronab Sarkar, President, IATO, revealed the theme as ‘Expectations and reality bridging the gap.’ He said, “We hope that this will revolve around all the points that we are trying to highlight with the government and the industry.”
Sarkar is hopeful that there will be participation not only from South India but pan India. He confirmed the presence of the Secretary Tourism and the Joint Secretary Tourism.
About the upcoming collaboration with MOT, Sarkar said, “We are an active part of the BRICS Convention that is happening in Khajuraho. There will a B2B meeting with our members and IATO is also hosting the post conference tours. These countries are emerging markets and I am sure that we will generate extra business from them.” IATO President said that the association is also a part of MOT’s Investors’ Summit as well as the Global Travel Mart to be held from February 1-4, 2017. He informed that they have proposed the Ministry to extend e-Tourist Visa (eTV) to 60 days instead of 30 days.
IATO is willing to take upon itself to push global marketing of India tourism as many of the regional offices abroad don’t have heads and the marketing efforts have reduced. IATO plans to organise promotional activities for the whole of India in Delhi itself targeting global players.
Sarkar informed about issues taken up with Railways like group reservations, tourist insurance enhancement of the amount, facilities at the railway stations for differently abled people and rupee tariff on luxury trains.
Touching upon a contentious issue which is GST, Sarkar said, “I see GST differently for the tourism indus- try. The industry already pays multiple taxes but don’t benefit from it. As per various studies by the Ministry and private bodies, tourism is paying 2527 per cent taxes. With GST it will definitely reduce. We have approached the Ministry of Finance through FAITH that GST should be considered at a lower rate like 6-8 per cent. We have also given the comparison of European and Far East countries where tourism is considered at an almost half and almost nil rate respectively.