This is to update you on IATO activities this week, which are as under:-

As a follow up to the initial discussion with new Secretary (Tourism), Mrs. Rashmi Verma when EC called on 12th May, 2017, a consolidated note indicating all the pending issues wherein Secretary’s personal intervention needed has been sent to her on 15th May 2017 which inter-alia include GST on Tourism; Guide Policy of ASI, Vacant posts in Indiatourism Offices overseas, appointment of PR Agencies/ITMR. Overseas marketing, Road shows, increase in Baggage allowance on domestic sectors, issues with the railways etc.

 

IATO got stay order from High Court on its Writ Petition against ASI on Guide Policy. The matter came for hearing on 15th May 2017. It has further directed that the Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Secretary, Ministry of Tourism should invite all the stakeholders and have a re-look in the policy and give a decision within a period of four weeks. This a big achievement of IATO.

 

On members suggestions in the Active members meeting that a list of Travel exhibitions where India Tourism Offices are participating this financial year be obtained and circulated to members. Lists of such fairs have been received from Indiatourism offices in Dubai, Beijing, Paris, Singapore, New York and Toronto has been received and circulated to the members. The same has been uploaded on the IATO website http://www.iato.in and can be seen on link http://iato.in/circulars/lists. Members who are recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and wish to participate in such travel marts/exhibition can get in touch with respective Indiatourism Offices as per details given in the circulars.

 

Revised Hospitality Guidelines (2017)  received from the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India has been circulated to all members on 15th May 2017 and has been uploaded on the IATO Website http://iato.in/pages/view/62     

 

IATO’s next luncheon meeting is likely to take place on Wednesday, the 14th June 2017, where IATO will extend welcome to Mrs. Rashmi Verma, New Secretary (Tourism) and also bid farewell to Mr. Vinod Zutshi, former Secretary Tourism. As announcements have been made yesterday for the Service Sector including Tourism and Hospitality, a presentation on GST will also be made during this meeting. Members may kindly join in numbers and show IATO’s strength to Government so that IATO’s voice gets due recognition. Further details will follow soon.

 

IATO members were invited for a workshop by World Bank for special meeting organized by them in their Delhi Office on 18th May 2017 on the subject “Private Sector Consultation Workshop on Buddhist Sector inclusive Development in India” IATO members gave their valuable inputs and shared practical experience for development of infrastructure facilities in Buddhist sectors.

 

It was read in the News Paper (Dainik Jagran) that the front Dome of Taj Mahal will have mud packing for maintenance for a period of about two and half months. The front area of Taj will have scaffolding for this purpose. This work will start from 20th May and is likely to be completed by end of July 2017. We have sought clarification from Archaeological Survey of India to know the exact dates. Members will be updated once we get the authentic information from ASI. However, members are advised to inform their counterparts to avoid any displeasure from the overseas visitors.