In an exclusive conversation with Whereabouts PP Khanna, President ADTOI & Chairman 9th Annual Convention cum Exhibition says the association is very keen to go along with the state through PPP model for infrastructure development. The content of the convention has carefully been designed to meet the expectations of its members and the host state.
Q. Since you are Chairman Convention, kindly elaborate on the salient features of the Convention? Is there anything new that you are planning to add? A. The Convention will be inaugurated on August 16th by Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani, along with the Tourism Minister of the state and senior officials of TCGL. The office bearers of the state tourism department will elaborate extensively on the newer and niche tourism products of the state, to enhance the knowledge of the large number of delegates present there.
On 17th August, we will have a very interesting and useful business session on the ‘Investment Policy’ of Gujarat Tourism. The idea is to explore the opportunities to be associated with the state in development of infrastructure on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Also, we have developed a strategy to discuss on the ‘State Specialist Programmes’ for Domestic Tour Operators. Apart from this, there are various brain storming sessions and activities that will further grow networking among our members and boost their respective businesses. We will arrange a pre/post fam trip to promote the destination as well.
Q. How do you look at the potential of tourism in Gujarat vis-à-vis the product knowledge among the members of ADTOI? A. Gujarat has a huge potential of tourism, its wide range of products can attract all kind of travellers. The state is well known for UNESCO Heritage Sites, Rann of Kutch – a unique festival to celebrate, weeks long festival of Dandia, Religious, Wellness, Wildlife and Golf tourism products. The newly added attraction Statue of Unity – world’s tallest is attracting huge attention and interest from travel and tourism fraternity.
The purpose of having Convention in Ahmedabad is to interact and network with local tour operators and service providers to gain further knowledge about the newly added attractions and niches tourism products of the state. I believe this Convention will offer great opportunity of networking and exchange of knowledge among the delegates.
Q. What is the current membership base in Gujarat? Any plan to attract more travel professionals to join ADTOI? A. At the moment ADTOI Gujarat Chapter has 45 members. We are very keen to enhance our membership from across the country, Gujarat is one of them. As we are heading to Ahmedabad for our first ever convention in Gujarat, we expect to attract a huge chunk of domestic tour operators to join our association. Whether it is the association, state or tour professionals, the partnership will be a win-win situation for all of us.
Q. How do you look at the participation in ADTOI Convention? How is it becoming more relevant to the industry professionals? A. We are expecting at least 500 plus delegates to join the convention this year. As Gujarat is a very potential destination we can see a lot of ADTOI members are interested to attend the convention. Our Conventions are becoming more relevant to the need of industry professionals and we are improving year-on-year. We have adopted best practices from similar events of the industry and implementing them in our conventions. Our previous Convention in Vizag has been very successful and attracted a remarkable number of delegates.
I am pleased to share with you that ADTOI is receiving overwhelming support from all the State Governments, and the best part is that the Ministry of Tourism is very proactive in supporting domestic tourism segment in a big way.
Q. How do you look at the overall growth of Domestic Tourism Sector? What are your suggestions/expectations from the government? A. We have witnessed a very positive growth in Domestic Tourism sector. As I mentioned already this segment is getting huge attention from the Centre and State Governments including Union Territories. There has been a remarkable development in terms of connectivity and infrastructure. Looking at the current scenario we are expecting further growth in this segment.
