In view of the upcoming IATO Managing Committee election which is scheduled to be held on March 06, 2021, the team ‘Moving Forward’ – The Next Phase outlined its vision recently at a media briefing. The Presidential candidate Rajiv Mehra along with his team interacted with the media where he revealed his plans outlined for the betterment of the members as well as the industry.
While elaborating on the profile of the team members, Mehra said that all the candidates of team ‘Moving Forward’ are well experienced and committed to work tirelessly and selflessly for the larger benefits of the members. Mehra emphasized that the team has a bigger strategic focus that will be required over the next two years for revival of the sector and help rebuild travel companies post pandemic.
“What we plan to do in next two years is to follow up with the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance and DGFT in regards to the release of SEIS for 2019-20 which is the vital affair at the moment. Apart from this, Foreign Trade Policy (2021-25) is the other core area for which the team is gearing up to get the maximum benefits to the tour operators’ fraternity. Working towards ease of MoT recognition is on the priority list,” informed Mehra. A detailed long term agenda will be finalised soon.
Former Sr. Vice President of IATO for two terms and former Vice-chairman of FAITH,Sarab Jit Singh, contesting for the post of Sr. Vice President, shared his achievements and recalled how he has been instrumental in bringing 5% SEIS incentive for tour operators from Ministry of Commerce, and getting E-Visa scheme for foreign travellers – which has been a landmark in Inbound segment. Singh was also the Chairman of ‘getINDIA’, first inbound travel fair that was organised by FAITH under the aegis of MoC.
Ravi Gosain the outgoing treasurer who is the candidate for Vice President has been associated with IATO for over 10 years. While talking about his efforts made towards betterment of the industry, Gosain says that he played a crucial role in upgrading association’s website which is more effective at the moment, and drafting overseas marketing plans with Ministry of Tourism, membership networking etc. during his tenure. If elected to the post,Gosain is committed to work towards improving technology and membership of the association.
Rajnish Kaistha, candidate for Hony. Secretary says that the team will endeavour to push the agenda of getting tourism on the concurrent list of the Government. He will get in close coordination with Ministry of Tourism for opening of tourist visa and international flights for revival of tourism post pandemic. Kaistha says that he would emphasize on mobile app for ease of communication with all members.
Candidate for Hony. Joint Secretary Raj Babaj says that over the last 38 years of intense passion for tourism, deep rooted in his DNA with 100% commitment, he has served IATO in various capacities including propagating Incredible India campaigns in roadshows internationally.
Viney Tyagi, candidate for Hony. Treasurer feels that he has learned and matured a lot as a travel-trade practitioner and having successfully completed two tenures with IATO he is a deserving candidate for the job.
Members contesting for EC (Active) are P.S. Duggal of Minar Travels, Deepak Bhatnagar of Aamantaran Travel Company, Himanshu Agashiwala of Columbus Travels & Services, Manoj Kumar Matta of Oriental Vacations & Journeys and Deepak Gupta of Tour Express.
Members contesting for EC (Allied) are Ashok Dhoot of Harsh Travels, Kamlesh Hemchand Lalan of Ravine Trek and Zia Siddiqui of Alliance Hotels & Resorts.
HIGHLIGHTS SHORT/LONG TERM AGENDA
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To continue follow up with Ministry of Finance/Commerce/DGFT regarding release of SEIS Scrips for 2021-20.
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To get SEIS for the tour operators for next 5 years by getting it included in Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2021-25 with the easy terms and conditions suitable to the members.
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To remove the requirement of minimum Rs. 2 crore turnover of Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) in MDA guidelines for overseas promotions so that all members can be benefited.
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To get relaxation in qualification for MoT Recognition by adding diploma/certificate of Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council.
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To Request Ministry of Tourism to start marketing and promotions by organizing roadshows, participation in international travel marts, organizing FAM trips for FTO’s, as soon as restriction on e-visa is removed and international flights start operating.
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To get IATO website linked with MoT website so that members can receive leads.
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To promote IATO website in different source markets so as to get leads for the members.
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To request the MoT to provide booths to tour operators in all major international travel marts on very subsidized cost so that members could participate in maximum marts.
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To continue follow up and take up issues with all the Ministries including Finance, Railways, Road Transportations, Civil Aviation, Culture, SEPC, MSME and RBI etc.
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To make amendments in IATO Memorandum of Association as per today’s needs.
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To make our state Chapter Chairman strong with major thrust and support from the head office
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To work for development for our members pan India basis.
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To continue skill development training program for the members’ on pan India basis with support from state chapters.
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To create and develop synergy between active and allied members all over the country for marketing and knowledge sharing of new products through regular webinars to benefit the entire membership.
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To continue cordial relationship with other associations and Chambers of Commerce, i.e. FAITH, CII, Assocham, PHD, WTTC, FHRAI and HAI etc. for the common interest & objectives to take forward those initiatives with the government.
