New Management Committee Briefs Tourism Minister on Industry Challenges.

 In the leadership of Mr. Ravi Gosain, President IATO, the newly constituted Managing Committee successfully held a courtesy meeting with Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, Government of India on 05th june 2025.

The primary agenda of the discussion was to thoroughly apprise the Minister of the pressing issues and significant challenges currently facing India's tourism industry. During the productive engagement, the board presented a comprehensive overview of various hurdles, including infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexities, skill development needs, and the impact of recent global events on tourist footfall. This direct interaction provided an invaluable opportunity to highlight these critical concerns and seek collaborative solutions from the government. The Minister was receptive to the board's insights, marking an important step towards addressing these industry-wide problems.

IATO Urges PM for ₹1000 Crore Allocation & India Tourism Board to Boost Inbound Tourism

 New Delhi: The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the critical role of inbound tourism in India's economic growth and global image. IATO President, Mr. Ravi Gosain, emphasized that tourism exports, being non-tariff-based, offer a stable source of foreign exchange and employment, unaffected by global trade disruptions.

To unlock this potential and address the slow recovery of foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) to pre-pandemic levels, IATO has requested:

•           An immediate ₹1000 crore budgetary allocation for sustained "Incredible India" international marketing campaigns.

•           Formation of a high-level "India Tourism Board" under the Prime Minister's leadership, involving public-private partnerships.

•           Simplified visa facilitation, including expanded e-Visas (with 4-hour approvals), fast-tracking group tourist visas, and exploring visa fee waivers.

•           Incentives for international airlines and air charters to improve air connectivity, especially to tier-2 and tier-3 destinations.

IATO stressed that prioritizing inbound tourism aligns with the "Viksit Bharat, Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat" vision, considering its significant contribution to GDP and role as a civilizational connector.

IATO Pushes for Vande Bharat Express Connecting Khajuraho and Varanasi.

 The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has formally requested the Union Minister of Railways to introduce a Vande Bharat Express train service between Khajuraho and Varanasi, via Chitrakoot and Prayagraj.

IATO believes this new route would significantly benefit both domestic and foreign tourists, offering an "Incredible Rail Journey Experience" and boosting tourism in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The organization highlighted that this connectivity could substantially increase foreign tourist inflow to Khajuraho, potentially restoring its past glory and generating local employment.

IATO has also garnered support from the Government of Madhya Pradesh, which has officially recommended the proposal to the Railway Board. IATO is optimistic that with this support, their request will be favorably considered.

IndiGo Waives Cancellation Fees for Tour Operators Amidst "War-like Situation".

New Delhi: In response to IATO's (Indian Association of Tour Operators) request, IndiGo Airlines has agreed to waive cancellation charges for groups and Free Independent Travelers (FITs) due to the "war-like situation" between India and Pakistan. Many tour operators faced cancellations from foreign clients because of the escalating tensions.

Key details of IndiGo's policy:

 Eligibility: All groups booked on or before May 8, 2025, are eligible for a change or cancellation fee waiver.

Travel Period: This waiver applies to travel to and from all affected destinations until May 22, 2025.

Ongoing Monitoring: IndiGo will continue to monitor the situation and update its policy accordingly.

Case-by-Case Assistance: Group operators needing assistance beyond the general waiver terms can contact their IndiGo sales representative or Mr. Manish Marwah, AVP-Sales B2B India – IndiGo (manish.marwah@goindigo.in), for support on a case-by-case basis.

IATO had also approached Air India, FHRAI, and HAI for similar waivers and full refunds of advance payments until July 31, 2025.

IATO's Efforts Lead to New Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express. 

New Delhi: The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) announces the successful outcome of its persistent advocacy, with the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Express train service between Agra Cantt and Varanasi, commencing September 23, 2024. This new route, operating six days a week (excluding Fridays), will significantly enhance connectivity for tourists.

IATO has been lobbying for this crucial link since 2019, initially requesting a stoppage at Tundla Junction for the Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat, or a direct Agra-Varanasi service. This initiative aims to provide tourists visiting Mathura/Vrindavan/Agra with a direct and convenient rail option to Prayagraj and Varanasi, eliminating the need to backtrack to Delhi.

The new Vande Bharat (Train No. 20176) will depart Agra Cantt at 06:00 and arrive in Varanasi at 13:00, with stops at Tundla, Etawah, Kanpur, and Prayagraj. The return journey (Train No. 20175) will depart Varanasi at 15:20, reaching Agra Cantt by 22:20.

IATO encourages all members to actively promote and book on this new service to ensure its success.

Elephant Ride Rates at Amer Fort to Increase from October 1, 2024

Jaipur: The Archaeology Department, Government of Rajasthan, has announced an increase in elephant ride charges at Amer Fort, Jaipur, from ₹1100 to ₹2500, effective October 1, 2024. This adjustment follows a period of over 10 years without a rate change.

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) had previously engaged with the Rajasthan government in October 2023 when a sudden, drastic increase to ₹3500 was proposed. IATO, led by President Rajiv Mehra, successfully advocated for the withdrawal of that increase, emphasizing the need for rational adjustments and adequate advance notice for the tourism industry.

While the current increase to ₹2500 is substantial, the Archaeology Department justifies it by citing significant operational expenses. The IATO Rajasthan Chapter has been in communication regarding this change. The new rates are slated for review after five years.

Pushkar Fair Dates Reinstated to Original Schedule

 New Delhi: Following a concerted effort by the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the Pushkar Fair will now take place on its original dates, from November 14 to 27, 2023.

Earlier, the District Collector & Magistrate, Ajmer, had unilaterally shortened the fair to November 14-20 due to the Rajasthan elections on November 25. This sudden change caused significant disruption for tour operators who had already confirmed bookings and made advance payments.

IATO swiftly intervened, lobbying the Chief Election Commissioner of India, the Chief Electoral Officer of Rajasthan, and senior officials in both the state and central tourism ministries. Their appeal stressed the financial implications for members and the industry.

The decision to revert to the original dates comes as a relief to the tourism sector and is a result of support from the Rajasthan Tourism Department and the State Election Commission. IATO acknowledged the personal efforts of its Rajasthan Chapter members, Mr. Mohan Singh, Mr. Bhim Singh, and Mr. Mahendra Singh, who directly engaged with government officials.

IATO Challenges Wednesday Closure of Wildlife Sanctuaries & Tiger Reserves

New Delhi: The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is actively engaging with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to address the sudden decision to close all Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves nationwide every Wednesday, effective July 1, 2023.

IATO has expressed significant concern over the immediate implementation of this policy, highlighting the difficulties it poses for members with already confirmed bookings. Rescheduling safaris, accommodation, transport, and flights on such short notice is proving to be a major challenge.

IATO has put forward two key suggestions:

1.         Withdraw the order entirely and implement any such changes from July 1, 2024, to allow the industry sufficient time to adapt.

2.         If a complete withdrawal isn't feasible, consider closing only the afternoon safaris on Wednesdays, allowing morning safaris to continue.

As of now, IATO awaits a response from the authorities and is actively following up. Members are advised to avoid planning visits to Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves on Wednesdays from July 1, 2023, until a positive resolution is achieved.