December 2019 24 Pages for Private Circulation Only

Volume 1 Issue 4 December 2019 24 pages For Private Circulation Only

A tourism industry communication by Indian Association of Tour Operators

Milestones in 2019

Recommendations for UNION BUDGET

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS IATO urges all its members and their vendors to fully support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives:

SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN (Clean India Mission)

BAN ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC Contents

New Year Wishes

arm greetings Wto all our IATO members! An eventful year has gone by, and we are at the threshold E M Najeeb of a New Year which Sr Vice - President will open up challenges and new opportunities for us. Let us be determined to meet our challenges Explore Inside and grab the opportunities. Tourism, travel and hospitality industry should be resilient enough to move forward Pg. 5 AGM 2019 towards a brighter future. It is time Annual General Meeting to unite our hands with new resolve highlights and strengthen our great fraternity. The year 2020 is the beginning year Pg. 9 ACHIEVEMENTS of a new decade. It is a landmark year IATO’s milestones in 2019 in our professional journey. Let us be 5 confident, enthusiastic and cheerful. Pg. 10 THEN & NOW Wishing you all a very happy and Beyond the horizon bright New Year, 2020.

Pg. 12 TAXING TIMES Quick tips and updates ishing you all a Wvery happy, pros- on GST perous and purpose- ful 2020. India firmly Pg. 13 IATO ALBUM believes in peace and IATO bids farewell to 14 Rajiv Mehra harmony and this will Suman Billa Vice - President surely translate into a good business for all. Today our Pg. 14 NEWS YOU CAN USE country is poised to surge ahead Ladakh tourism budget in the area of cruise tourism – a increases from ` 55 lakh nascent thrust to this area is a wel- to ` 200 crore come step and let us capitalise on this segment, besides leisure and other facets. Pg. 18 MEMBERS RENDEZVOUS Contd. on page 8 20 New Membership approved wish each of you I a harmonious and Pg. 21 BUDGET 2020-21 progressive 2020, and IATO’s budget send you my sincer- recommendations est greetings for the Rajesh Mudgill festives of Lohri, Sank- Pg. 22 IN CONVERSATION Hony. Secretary ranti and Pongal. Look- 21 IITF goes digital ing forward to your active and mean- from Jan 1, 2020 ingful participation during this year. Cover Picture Courtesy: Radha Swami, 500px.com

Honorary Secretary IATO Speaks is a publication of Indian News, Media & PR Committee Rajesh Mudgill Association of Tour Operators (IATO). All information is derived from sources, we feel Neelam Thakur (Convener) reliable and passed on to the members without Atul Rai Editorial Board any responsibility on our part. IATO assumes Neelam Thakur no responsibility for returning any unsolicited Harish Chopra matters. Jurisdiction is restricted to Delhi. Manish Poddar Atul Rai Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Manoj Matta Harish Chopra IATO Speaks is owned by IATO and printed & 310, Padma Tower II, 22, Rajendra Place, Manish Poddar published on their behalf by DDP Publications Pvt. Ltd. & is printed at Modest Print Pack New Delhi - 110 008 Manoj Matta Pvt. Ltd., Delhi Tel : 91-11-25750028, 25754478, 25738803 E-mail: [email protected]

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 3 President's Message

• Removal of cascading effect of GST on tourism industry. • Removal of GST on services provided outside India to foreign tourists, i.e. Nepal, Bhutan, etc.

There will be withdrawal of facility of airport entry passes from January 1, 2020 for the representative of tour operators for entry at the airport. Regarding the airport entry passes we have taken up the issue with the Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation and Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and with the concerned responsible officers. We have made a strong written representation to the Pronab Sarkar concerned authorities in person, as it is a question of security and safety of our tourists that our valued Dear Friends, members bring into India. We are hopeful to resolve the issue with some amendment in the security measures ince the last issue of our newsletter, a lot of for the company representatives in line of new security Ssignificant developments has taken place. policy in place at all airports of India. First of all, we have completed our Annual General With regards to SEIS delaying clearance of our Meeting on October 30, 2019 at The Lalit Hotel, New member’s files, the matter was taken up with DGFT Delhi, wherein 82 members actively participated. concerned officers and discussed at length. We have Rajesh Mudgill, Hony Secretary, read his report wherein made suitable representation in consultation with M/s. the latest updates on IATO activities and achievements Ernst & Young. were reported. Members also discussed about current issues, future strategies which underline IATO’s role as We have appointed a PR agency for a initial period of six a leading think tank. months, that shall endeavor to take our views to the print media and in tweets. We have requested for your valued Our aggressive follow up with various ministries and inputs that can be placed before the agency with respect to with the help of positive initiatives of the Ministry of stories in national dailies and tweets. This shall strengthen Tourism, the reduction in e-Visa fee and reduction in the sinews of brand IATO and bolster its image. GST rates on hotel accommodation has helped the industry with better opportunity to grow numbers. For the benefit of our members who engage in cross The idea is to fulfil the government’s vision of doubling promotion of tourism, we had a good set of meetings the number of tourists in the next few years and that with officials from Vietnam and Ethiopia and have the benefit of reduction in GST has to be passed on to requested for a Fam for our members who also cater the final customer, so that the packages for promoting to outbound. India as tourist destination becomes cheaper than what it is currently. On the November 27 we bid farewell to Suman Billa, Joint Secretary Tourism and Aashima Mehrotra, You are aware, IATO had taken up with Air India to Director Tourism, Government of India. They both were restart its daily flight on Delhi-Varanasi-Khajuraho- very helpful, cooperative and gave all the pertinent Varanasi-Delhi sector and we also had a meeting with issues affecting our industry their due recognition. We Ashwani Lohani, CMD and other officials of Air India wish them the very best in their future endeavors. on this. You will be pleased to know that Air India in its winter flight schedule from October 28, 2019 to Soon we will leave one year behind and roll into the March 28, 2020 has announced operational flights on next one, I hope this New Year brings you good the above sector. health and prosperity, and a successful and fulfilling life that you desire and deserve. May 2020 find us with Budget issues are critical for our business. A increased energy and greater determination to achieve meeting was held at Transport Bhawan under the success in business and move our organisation to Chairmanship of Rupinder Brar, Additional Director greater heights. General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, on November 27, 2019. IATO gave its key Wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. recommendation details which you will find in this newsletter. Following our meeting with the Ministry of Thanks Tourism, we had a meeting with Ministry of Finance, Government of India and emphasised on the following four issues on December 4, 2019: • Tourism industry to be treated as deemed exporters Pronab Sarkar at par with IT industry under export of services. President

4 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS AGM 2019

Annual General Meeting highlights Rajesh Mudgill, Hony. Secretary presented the annual report on behalf of IATO during the 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association, which took place on October 30, 2019 at The Lalit Hotel in New Delhi. Here is an update on activities since the last AGM on October 15, 2018.

he year gone by saw many criti- IATO’s circulars, luncheon and active mem- cal recommendations of IATO in ber meetings were there to keep IATO mem- diverse facets gain acceptability bers abreast with the latest in the area of from Government of India- a re- tourism and aid the business endeavours. IATO’s circulars, luncheon and cordT success by any measure. As an apex active member meetings were tourism body of India, IATO is addressed as Here is an update on the activities in rela- organised to keep IATO members a strategic association to further contribute tion to IATO since its last Annual General abreast with the latest in the effectively to growth trajectory articulated Meeting on October 15, 2018: by the Ministry of Tourism, Government area of tourism and aid the of India. business endeavours. ISSUES AND PROBLEMS IATO pursued relentlessly the key issues that did not auger well for tourism and its Marketing offices overseas growth path- e-Visa fee, GST, air connectiv- IATO requested the Ministry of Tourism ity, group reservation with the Indian Rail- that with the closure of some of the India- the globe, but India’s share is very minimal ways, booking with luxury trains etc. being tourism offices in important source markets currently. There is a dire need to develop the main impediments. like Sydney, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Los infrastructure for MICE tourism, as we are Angeles, Toronto, Johannesburg etc. There losing the MICE business to our neighbour- Others that saw the efforts of IATO relat- is a dire need to have tourist information ing countries. Not only foreigners, but large ed to skill development workshops, guide centre/tourism cell or the representative Indian companies are opting to have their fee, recommendations on MDA, the tight offices need to be in operation as early as conferences, conventions in neighbouring schedules of MOT roadshows that needed a possible in order to increase the tourist flow countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singa- breathing space, the result oriented contri- to India though marketing. pore or Sri Lanka. All this is due to very bution of IATO at the ITM 2019, culminating limited convention centres across India the acknowledged success of the 35th annual Development of infrastructure and other better infrastructure only avail- convention at Kolkata and the cherished for MICE tourism able in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, support of the Government of West Bengal. MICE tourism is getting very popular across Hyderabad or Kolkata. We need to have

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 5 AGM 2019

convention centres with all supporting infrastructure like hotels, shopping malls and night bazaars etc. in all the states and other important tourist cities to attract foreign MICE operators to market India as a pre- ferred MICE destination.

Improved facilities for foreign tourist at Taj Mahal entry Tourists (both domestic and foreign) are facing a lot of problems in entering the Taj Mahal after purchasing the entry tickets, which is giving a negative publicity to India abroad. IATO has made a number of sugges-  Denial of Kolkata immigration office to  IATO videos on women safety and the- tions to ASI specially for foreign tourists es- acknowledge Darranga checkpoint be- matic destinations pecially on monkey menace and cleanliness tween Assam and Bhutan.  IATO training programmes 2019 at Taj Mahal.  The revision of Guide Policy by ASI  Recommendations for boosting foreign  Group booking facility with the railways trade through tourism Other issues raised by for IATO members.  Suggestions on Air Charter Policy IATO include:  Grievances for booking luxury trains  35th Annual Convention in Kolkata.  Problems faced in purchasing entry with IRCTC tickets for Elephanta Caves  Issues regarding scheduling of India Major Achievements  Revision in guidelines for Marketing Tourism Roadshow Development Assistance (MDA) scheme  Railway platform entry pass for tour Exemption of tourist 2017 operators vehicles from election  Leads/queries from Ministry of Tourism duty for the members of website IATO's initiatives IATO and ITTA  Withdrawal of facility of airport entry  IATO Vision Document- ‘Tourism- An During Lok Sabha elections from April 11 passes for representatives of tour op- engine for economic growth and em- to May 19, 2019, keeping in mind the appre- erators for entry at the airport. ployment generation’ hension of IATO members who own tourist

6 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS AGM 2019

media members, TV teams, decision makers from overseas. IATO handled over 50 MOT sponsored Fam tours in a highly professional manner.

Follow up with various ministries IATO made various representations to Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Finance, GST Council, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of vehicles that they may be asked by the state Air connectivity and Culture, Ministry of Railways and to state governments to provide their vehicles for the introduction of new/ governments expressing its concern on election duties. IATO wrote a letter to the additional flights by Air various issues. The association was able to Chief Election Commissioner of India to ex- India, Indigo and Vistara resolve some of these issues, while others empt tourist vehicles from election duties as IATO held several discussions and meetings are still pending and IATO is following up they need to provide undisruptive services to with Air India, Indigo, SpiceJet and Vistara on the same. their foreign clients. to introduce new or add additional flights on certain sectors which are important Membership New website for the tourism industry and need better The IATO membership drive contin- The IATO website has been revamped and air connectivity. ued throughout 2019 and a substantial is now being marketed/promoted in various increase was achieved after the last overseas markets with the hope that num- Handling of MOT Fam tours AGM. Till October 2019, IATO has a ber of visitors to the website will increase IATO was especially given the responsibil- total of 1674 members with 352 ac- and in turn we can generate some leads for ity to handle all Ministry of Tourism spon- tive and 1322 allied, associate and IATO members. sored hospitality guests, tour operators, international members.

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 7 Thoughts & Reviews Pursuing government Year-end review: on key issues Ministry of Tourism Contd. from page 3 As you are aware IATO has been for the past 5 In 2019, MOT reduced the e-Visa fee, GST rates months following up with the Minister of Civil Avia- on hotel room, and opened over 120 new peaks tion and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, for mountaineering. Several steps were taken Government of India as the airport entry passes were going to be discontinued after December 31, 2019. under Swadesh Darshan & PRASHAD Scheme, and Adopt a Heritage project which were some of the We have been given to understand that Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has extended the validity important highlights for the ministry. of Airport Entry Passes (AEPs) expired on Decem- ber 31, 2019 up to January 31, 2020 and necessary  India’s rank in Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) directives have been given to ASG (CISF/Police) of World Economic Forum has moved from 65th rank in 2013 to deployed at the airport. We are indeed grateful to 34th rank in 2019. the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India for the consideration. We shall keep you updated in  Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the period January- No- the matter. vember 2019 were 96,69,633 as compared to 93,66,478 in Janu- ary- November 2018 registering a growth of 3.2%. We are pursuing the government on key issues. IATO recommended to remove the cascading ef-  During January- November 2019, a total of 25,51,211 tourist ar- fect of GST on tour operators and requested that rived on e-Tourist visa as compared to 20,61,511 during Janu- a deemed value of 10% of gross billing of the tour ary-November 2018, registering a growth of 23.8%. operator may be considered as the taxable value on deemed basis. We have requested the Ministry of Fi-  Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) during the period January- nance for Export Industry Status to be given to our November 2019 wereR`1,88,364 crore as compared to `1,75,407 industry. crore in January- November 2018 registering a growth of 7.4%.

You will be happy to note that presently we are ac-  Development of thematic circuits is being undertaken under the tively engaged with the authorities to continue giv- Swadesh Darshan Scheme. A total number of 77 projects for an ing SEIS benefits to tour operators for another 5 amount of `6035.70 crore have been sanctioned till date under years to enable them to compete in international the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. markets. We are actively requesting the policy makers on more aggressive marketing proposals to be  Integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations made for the industry for attracting augmented is being undertaken under the ‘National Mission on Pilgrim- foreign tourists to India, encouraging skill devel- age Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ opment programmes to help increase trained man (PRASHAD) Scheme. A total number of 28 projects have been power for the industry, sanctioned till date for an amount of `840.02 crore under this scheme. IATO shall organise skill training programme under the banner of Skill Council for certifications  The ‘Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’ project and Railway Group booking facility for MOT rec- is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of ognised tour operators. We have requested Minis- Culture and Archaeological Survey of India, State/ UTs Govern- try of Finance to consider issuance of notification ment for developing tourist amenities at heritage/tourist sites for implementation of tax refund for the tourists’ and making them tourist friendly, in a planned and phased man- scheme provided for, under Section 15 of the IGST ner. Ministry of Tourism has signed 27 Memorandum of Under- Act 2017 – all these are high on our agenda and will standing (MoU's) till date under the Adopt a Heritage project. greatly benefit our members.

I once again wish you a great season ahead and look forward to your valued inputs in our luncheon meetings and other pertinent platforms.

– Rajiv Mehra

8 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS Achievements IATO’s milestones in 2019 The year 2019 has been extremely gratifying for IATO as among many, few key recommendations saw a positive nod from the Government of India, and we are indeed grateful to the authorities for taking cognisance of industry needs.

AchIEvEMENtS IN withdrawn it will have a negative impact 2019 and the efforts being made by the Minis- try of Tourism, Government of India to Reduction in e-Visa fee and increase tourist arrivals will go in vain. relaxation in e-Visa rules IATO has been vigorously writing to the Cascading effect of GST Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Home Af- on tour operator service fairs and even to PMO for last one year to which need correction reduce the visa fee, when it was increased Cascading of taxes under GST has been last year. With its regular follow up and hurting the industry’s margin and busi- with the support from the Ministry of Tour- WTTCII to raise our concern on every ness to the extent that survival of small ism, Government of India, e-Tourist visa platform in one voice. players was under threat. IATO recom- fee has been reduced by the Ministry of mended to remove the cascading effect of Home Affairs, Government of India and At last our efforts have borne fruit with GST on tour operators, IATO requested announced the reduction of visa fee from the GST Council in the 37th meeting held that a deemed value of 10% of gross bill- USD 25 to USD 10 during the lean season on September 20, 2019 at Goa took the de- ing of the tour operators may be consid- (April –June). cision in favour of tourism and hospital- ered as the taxable value on deemed ba- ity industry. To reduce the rate of GST on sis. This will allow the service to be taxed A short duration of e-Visa for tourists outdoor catering services other than in at 18 per cent on the added value as mark with one-month validity and a visa fee of premises having daily per room tariff of up or commission. USD 25 has also been introduced for the `7501 from present 18 per cent with ITC peak season (July- March). This is a steep to 5 per cent without ITC. The rate shall GST rebate/benefi ts to be drop from the current e-Visa fee of about be mandatory for all kinds of catering. extended to tourism USD 80 to USD 100. industry is being given to the IT industry under A 5-year e-Tourist visa for a fee of $80 and EXPEctAtIONS IN 2020 export of services 1-year visa for a fee of $40 for Japan, Sin- Our expectations are always in sync with IATO requested the Ministry of Finance gapore and Sri Lanka. There will be no the needs of our industry and to facilitate that tour operators be given GST rebate/ visa fee for tourists from 14 pacific island the stakeholders. Our major plan area, benefits as a facet of the tourism & nations belonging to the Forum for India- besides others, encompasses: hospitality industry as are being given Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC). to exporters of goods. The criteria for Withdrawal of facility determining the place of supply of GST revised for hotel of airport entry passes services should be uniform between IT accommodation for the representatives of industry and tour operators industry. Since the GST was introduced in July tour operators for entry 2017, IATO has been aggressively writ- at the airport ing to the government to reduce and It came to IATO’s notice that facility of rationalise GST on tourism and hos- airport entry passes for the tour oper- pitality industry as this was hamper- ators is being withdrawn from Janu- ing the growth and Indians were not ary 1, 2020 and passes will be issued able to compete with the neighbouring for the interim period till December countries due to higher taxation. IATO 31, 2019. IATO has taken up the not only approached, the ministers and matter with the Ministry of Tourism, senior officials in the Ministry of Fi- Secretary Civil Aviation and Director nance, Commerce and Tourism, it also General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Se- approached Finance Ministers of all the curity mentioning that airport entry states who are members of GST Coun- passes are must for the tour opera- cil. Besides IATO also wrote to all the tors to receive the foreign guests at Chambers of Commerce i.e. FICCI, CII, the airport and also to ensure their PHDCII and also through FAITH and safety and security. If this facility is

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 9 Then & Now

10 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS Then & Now

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 11 Taxing Times Quick tips and updates on GST The GST council in the 38th meeting announced certain law and procedure changes and rationalised rate-structure in the proposed recommendations.

he GST council in the 38th meeting change in tax rate financial infrastructure plots by an Theld on December 18, 2019 proposed entity having 20% or more ownership recommendations, announcing certain  28% GST rate on both state run and of central or state government will law and procedure changes and rational- state authorised lottery with effect be exempted with effect from Janu- ised rate-structure. The proposed recom- from March 1, 2019. ary 1, 2020. Presently, the exemp- mendations will be effective from the date  With effect from 1st January 2019, tion is available to an entity having when relevant notification will be issued 50% or more ownership of central or by CBIC. state government.

Important proposed recom- Procedural change for mendations are as follows: Due date for annual departmental offi cers  Input tax credit to the recipient in re- return in FORM GSTR-9 and  A standard operating procedure for spect of invoices or debit notes that reconciliation statement tax officers would be issued in re- are not reflected in his FORM GSTR- in FORM GSTR-9C for FY 2017-18 spect of action to be taken in cases of 2A shall be restricted to 10 per cent of to be extended to non-filing of FORM GSTR-3B returns. the eligible credit available in respect  Grievance Redressal Committees of invoices or debit notes reflected in January 31, 2020. (GRC) will be constituted at zonal/ his FORM GSTR-2A. state level with both CGST and SGST  Due date for annual return in FORM officers, including representatives GSTR-9 and reconciliation statement of trade and industry and other GST in FORM GSTR-9C for FY 2017-18 to stakeholders to address grievances of be extended to January 31, 2020. GST rate on woven and non-woven specific/general nature of taxpayers bags and sacks of polyethylene or at the zonal/ state level. Following measures would be taken to polypropylene strips or the like,  To check the menace of fake invoices, improve ﬁ ling of FORM GSTR-1: whether or not laminated, of a kind suitable action to be taken for block-  Waiver of late fee to be given to all used for packing of goods falling un- ing of fraudulently availed input tax taxpayers in respect of all pending der HS code 3923/6305 will be 18%. credit in certain situations. FORM GSTR-1 from July 2017 to No-  Upfront amount payable for long term vember 2019, if the same are filed by lease of industrial/ The Union Budget 2020-2021 January 10, 2020. will be presented on  E-way bill for taxpayers who have not filed their FORM GSTR-1 for two tax February 1, 2020 periods shall be blocked.  Due date of filing GST returns for the month of November, 2019 to be extended in respect of a few North Eastern States.

Source and credits: GST Expertise

12 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS IATO Album

IATO bids farewell to Suman Billa To facilitate and acknowledge the contribution of Suman Billa as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Aashima Mehrotra, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, IATO organised a farewell for both the officials, where the EC members wished them luck for their new position and all future endeavours.

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 13 News You Can Use

Special extra baggage Air India restarts Delhi-Varanasi- rates for the IATO Khajuraho-Varanasi-Delhi ﬂ ight members by IndiGo ATO had taken up with Air India to re- flights on the above sector as per follow- Istart its daily flight on Delhi-Varanasi- ing schedule:- Khajuraho-Varanasi-Delhi sector and also had a meeting with Ashwani Lo-  From October 28, 2019 to Novem- hani, CMD, Air India and other officials ber 10, 2019 – five days in a week of the airline in June 2019 in his office, (1,2,3,4,6) to which Lohani agreed to the request. he special baggage rates for Since then, Air India in its Winter Flight . From November 11, 2019 to Tforeign tourists booked by IATO Schedule from October 28, 2019 to March March 28, 2020 – seven days in members have been revised. Given 28, 2020, has announced operational a week below are the revised rates which are applicable with immediate effect Flight No. From Departure To Arrival (December 12, 2019). AI406 Delhi 1015 Varanasi 1135 Baggage Revised Rate AI406 Varanasi 1210 Khajuraho 1320 effective December 12, 2019 AI405 Khajuraho 1355 Varanasi 1440 08 kg INR 1200 AI405 Varanasi 1650 Delhi 1830 15 kg INR 2000 30 kg INR 4000

We request all IATO members to Ladakh tourism budget increases send their request for special extra baggage on email id agency.support@ goindigo.in and do not copy mails to from ` 55 lakh to ` 200 crore senior officials of IndiGo or make he Union Territory of Ladakh has budget would be used to create new tour- any telephone calls. In case you find Tincreased its tourism budget to `200 ism products and infrastructure in the UT. any problem or want to call, you crore this year from `55 lakh earlier when can speak with Rajesh Kapoor, it was only a district in the erstwhile Jam- The event saw the stakeholders present- Senior Manager-Sales Support, mu & Kashmir state, revealed RK Ma- ing the tourism products of Ladakh to IndiGo on +91-124-4352500 and +91 thur, Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh, while the travel and tour operators in Delhi. 9811172898 or call customer care. speaking at the special ‘Ladakh Night’ Some of the dignitaries present at the organised by the Administration of UT event were Rigzin Samphel, Commercial of Ladakh Tourism Department and All Secretary, Tourism, Ladakh and Ja- Ladakh Travel Association stakeholders. myang Tsering Namgyal, Member of Visa on arrival to He also revealed that the newly allocated Parliament, Ladakh. nationals of the Republic of UAE NCRPB prepares for Regional Plan-2041 AE nationals will have access Uto a 60-day visa on arrival, with double entry for business, tourism,

conference and medical purposes. IATO President According to Bureau of Immigration, addressed the workshop on the visa on arrival facility, however, Tourism & Heritage, will only be available to those organised by NCRPB for preprarion of Emiratis who have earlier obtained Regional Plan-2041 for an e-Visa or paper visa to visit India. NCR on January 6.

IATO Interactive Luncheon Meeting now rescheduled on January 17 at Le Meridien. Earlier, it was scheduled to take place on January 8.

14 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS News You Can Use

Congress of Association of Finnish Validity of airport Travel Agents to be held in India entry passes extended meeting held on November Finnair flight and thus it is an till January 31, 2020 A13, 2019 under the chair- important market for tour op- personship of Director Gen- erators. It was also suggested he Bureau of Civil Aviation eral (Tourism), Government that IATO needs to know TSecurity has extended the of India to discuss regarding the profile of the travel validity of Airport Entry Passes holding an annual congress of agents who would visit In- (AEPs) for tour operators till Association of Finnish Travel dia, whether they are January 31, 2020 and necessary Agents in India in April 2021. inbound, outbound, MICE directives have been given to ASG Ravi Gosain Ravi Gosain, Hony. Treas- Hony. Treasurer, IATO and also what they are ex- (CISF/Police) deployed at the airport. urer represented IATO in the pecting from IATO. Based According to an earlier directive, meeting. MOT, GOI had invited on that, MOT, GOI will pre- the passes were discontinued after IATO and asked if this is important pare a questionnaire and send to December 31, 2019. IATO has been for tour operators. On behalf of IATO, the Finnish Travel Agents Associa- for about 5 months following up Gosain had mentioned that around tion. DG tourism suggested that IATO with the Minister of Civil Aviation 25000 Finnish travellers visit India should take the lead and organise the and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil as per the data, there is also a direct event in India. Aviation Government of India as the airport entry passes were going to be discontinued and it would have A Vietnamese delegation led by Pham Tri Dung, caused trouble to tour operators in handling their foreign clients. First Secretary – Economic Section, Vietnam visited IATO ofﬁ ce Now that the guidelines/procedure on November 20, 2019 and discussed bilateral tourism and for the airport entry passes is travel ties. IATO also met Ethiopian minister on November 28 being revised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), IATO has where the concept of a Fam trip to explore the opportunities requested the ministry to continue for cross exchange in tourism was mooted. issuing of airport entry passes to the tour operators under the revised guidelines for which necessary information as required by the MoCA has been given, which includes Third meeting of the National training of staff, number of passes to be given to the tour operators Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC) and the list of MOT recognised tour operators (submitted by the Ministry of Tourism). IATO writes to Finance Minister

ATO has written Smt. Nirmala ISitharaman, Finance Minister, Government of India and Chairman, GST Council, on the following issues: hird meeting of the National Tour- development of skills in the form of • Practice followed by IRCTC Tism Advisory Council (NTAC) held Paryatak Sahyog. Licence may be giv- treating tour operators as their on October 4, 2019 at VIP Lounge, en to new airlines to make up for the pure agents is incorrect under Paryatan Parv, Rajpath Lawns, loss of air seats due to Jet Airways GST Law. New Delhi. The meeting was grounding, which in turn will help re- • Request IRCTC to raise 5 per cent attended by members of NTAC and duce airfare and positive news may be GST invoice for tour operators as senior officers of the Ministry of Tour- publicised and any negative news principal service providers and ism. During the meeting, Pranab propagated in different countries/ enable them to avail ITC under Sarkar, President, IATO suggested agencies regarding Article 370 may be GST Law. that the Ministry should focus on properly countered.

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 15 Updates & Activites

Special Hosted Buyer IATO Activities Programme at OTM Participation and quick updates for IATO members Throughout 2019, IATO and its members engaged in multiple utbound Travel Market (OTM) activities and participated in various roadshows, trade events, Ois being held in Mumbai from February 3-5, 2020 at the Mumbai travel marts and other gatherings. Here are the quick updates to Exhibition Centre. To facilitate IATO members to visit OTM 2020, it has various invitations, participation and activities. launched a Special Hosted Buyer Programme for the IATO members on  Spain - FITUR, Madrid, January  IATO members invited to attend a first-come-first-served basis. 22-26, 2020 around 23 IATO mem- NICE reception programme on bers to participate. December 5, 2019 by PATA Nepal Members who are interested can apply  IATO members invited to attend Chapter. for the Hosted Buyer Programme Destination East, an international  Information received to attend with special privileges such as 100 tourism buyer seller meets organ- Know India Seminar on December per cent refund of the registration fee ised by CII in Kolkata on January 1 from India Tourism, Dubai. for qualified members, networking 13-14, 2020.  Invitation received for all meals, hotel accommodation and  Department of Tourism, Govern- IATO members to attend Ek reimbursement of return air tickets. ment of Rajasthan invited IATO Bharat Shreshtra Bharat on A circular to this effect has been sent members to attend and promote November 28 in New Delhi from on December 13, 2019. the Camel Festival from January India Tourism, Delhi. 11-13, 2019 in Bikaner, Rajasthan.  Sambandh PR appointed as IATO’s 50 complimentary rooms for IATO PR agency on 28th November. members offered for two nights on  IATO members invited to attend CPAI basis. Matasya Utsava in Alwar from  Request received from India Tourism, November 23-26, 2019. London regarding participation in  8th International Travel Mart in Any issues travel fairs UK, Ireland and Benelux Imphal, Manipur from Novem- countries during January/February ber 23–25, 2019 by the Ministry 2020 and participation of stake hold- of Tourism, Government of India. you want to ers as co-exhibitors. Circular were IATO members participated and sent to members. Interested mem- handled FTOs in Delhi and Ma- talk about ? bers can send names directly to India nipur. Tourism, London.  Fam trip to Paraguay from Novem- Write to us at  Rajiv Mehra, Vice President, ber 13-19, 2019. 4 IATO members IATO along with Capt. Swadesh participated. [email protected] Kumar, President, ATOAI and  Ministry of Tourism, Government and make us your mouthpiece. Amaresh Tiwari, Vice Chair- of India organised roadshows in man, ICPB called on Suman China from November 12-14, 2019 We will make sure that Sharma, Additional Director Gen- in which 23 IATO members par- you are heard. eral of Foreign Trade, Govern- ticipated. ment of India regarding SEIS on  IATO members participated in the December 17. The matter was dis- Northeast festival organised at cussed at length and suitable action IGNCA, Janpath, New Delhi from is being taken by IATO for submitting November 8-10, 2019. EVENTS CALENDAR the document which she requires.  IATO members were invited to • FITUR January 22-26 Madrid  IATO members invited by PHDCCI participate in Run For Unity on for the 3rd PHD Golf Tourism Con- 31st Oct, 2019 in Dwarka and Gha- • OTM February 3-5 Mumbai clave and Tournament in Jaipur ziabad. • ITB March 4-8 Berlin from December 12-13.  IATO Goa Chapter Meet held on Oc- • MITT March 17-19 Moscow  IATO conducted a Digital Market- tober 24, 2019 in Goa. Ravi Gosain, • COTTM April 1-3 Beijing ing programme in Ahmedabad on Honorary Treasurer, IATO along December 6-7, 2019. with other EC members addressed • ITB INDIA April 15-17 Mumbai  IATO members invited to at- the meeting and took stock of the con- • GITB April 19-21 Jaipur tend PATA Tourism Powerhouse dition specially after facing setback • ATM April 19-22 Dubai on December 6 by the PATA India by the charter operations of Chapter. Thomas Cook.

16 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS IATO Album

Educational Tour Children visit Ambassador Sky Chef In a bid to educate and motivate the youth, IATO organised an educational tour for the children of its members on December 28, 2019 to Ambassador Sky Chef, New Delhi to make them aware about the hospitality facilities used in the industry. A total of 32 children between the age group of 12 to 18 years participated. Organised by the Committee for Cultural, Social Events, Sports/ Recreation activities comprising, Sunil Mishra, Sanjay Razdan, Sanath Kai Suri, Atul Mahajan, Saransh Gupta, and Manish Saini, the team was led by P. Vijaysarathy, EC, Liaison.

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 17 Members Rendezvous

Holiday 2 Andaman Corporate & Leisure Travels Pvt. Ltd. New Membership Anand Kishen Niwas 1st Floor, Shop No –II, Opp Jama Masjid, Vijay Baugh Road, Approved w.e.f. October 10, 2019 Jungli Ghat, Port Blair -744103 Tel: 03192-235577 Email: [email protected] ACTIVE Alpha2 Omega Travels LLP Web: www.holiday2andaman.in 221, The Galleria, Mayur Vihar, Phase-1 Santosh Kumar, Director Rajasthan’s Invitation Travels Pvt. Ltd. Extension, New Delhi- 110091 (M) 9679545107 UG-36, Crown plaza, Vaishali Nagar Tel: 011-41053444 Jaipur-302021 Email: [email protected] Hospitality Tycoon Tel: 0141-4032162 Geeta Sirpaul, GM–Operations C-184, Greater Kailash-1, New Delhi-110048 Email: [email protected] (M) 9811210844 Tel: 011-41084298 Web: www.indiaisinvitation.com Email: [email protected] Web: www.hospitalitytycoonz.in Abhishek Shekhawat, Director Crystal India Holidays Mobile: 9829247544 Akshay Sharma, Director 49-B, LIG Flats, Madhuban, Enclave Madipur (M) 9654377738 New Delhi-110063 Active (Change of Status) Tel: 011-41001163 Seven Sisters Holidays i4u Travel Services Email: [email protected] 106, Rajul Landmark, Russel Square, Mahatma Gandhi Avenue, 2nd Floor Web: www.crystalindiaholidays.com Above Punjab National Bank Opp. Jabalpur Hospital, Jabalpur-482002 Mr. Amit Narang, Proprietor Tel: 0761-2450488, 2977971 Imphal- 795001 (M) 9311016363 Tel: 0385- 2443977, 2443979 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.i4utravels.com Web: www.sevensistersholidays.com Deepak Travels Souvik Banerjee, Director H. Radhakrishna Sharma, Partner 23/33, New Jagnath Plot, Yagnik Road, Behind Indior Tours Pvt. Ltd. Harony Hospital, Rajkot-360001 [email protected] M-8, Bhagat Singh Market, Connaught Place Tel: 0281-2483469-70 (M) 9706123401 New Delhi-110001 Email : [email protected] Tel: (M) 9311463467, 9868365247 Web: www.deepaktravels.co.in Incredible Indian Moments Pvt. Ltd. Email: [email protected] Deepak K. Rathod, CEO S-207, Time Square, Vidhyadhar Nagar Web: www.indiortours.com (M) 9824208487 Jaipur-302 039 Divya Lahad, Director Tel : 0141-2339668, 2337137 Email : [email protected] Exotic Escapes India Pvt. Ltd. Priya Travels Web: www.indianmoments.com 10-C, DCM Building, 16, Barakhamba Road Raj Apartment Ground Floor, 49, Gurupada Pankaj Sharma, Director New Delhi-110001 Halder Road, Kolkata- 700026 [email protected] Tel: 011-40455831, 47055931 Tel: 033-40069199, 24769199 (M) 9414064040 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Sameer Mahajan, Director Web: www.priyatravels.in Terra World Travel (India) Pvt. Ltd. (M) 9810502802 Abhisek Singh, Proprietor First Floor Shop No.2, CSC Market | (M) 9831569934/9432269934 C-8 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi- 110070 Go Holidays Satge 3 10, Saishwar Apt., 580 Narayan Peth, HDFC Tel: 011-26125550-51-52, Fax : 011-26125552 83/52, Sri Kalyan Square, 3rd Floor, Pantheon Bank Building, Ramanbaug Chowk, Email: [email protected] Road, Egmore, Chennai-600008 Pune- 411030 Web : www.terraworldtravel.com Tel: 011-42147719 Tel: 020 24469222 Mrs. Nandini Lohia, Managing Director Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] (M) 9811173769 [email protected] Web: www.goholidays.in Web: www.stage3eventz.com Ashwini Makarand Angal, Proprietor Sunttosh NM, Proprietor (M) 8805021658 ALLIED (M) 9840055657 All India Packages Go India Vacation Pvt. Ltd. SB International Tours and Travels No. 39, 1st Pillayar, Koil Street, C-51, 2nd Floor, Malviya Nagar, Near Laxmi CH - 26 4th Main 5th Cross Manjunath Plaza Ekkaduthan Gal, Chennai- 600032 Narayan Mandir, New Delhi- 110017 Saraswathipuram Tel: 044-49521408 Tel: 011-46626000 Mysore – 570009 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0821-4244490 Web: www.allindiapackages.com Web: www.globalodyssey.co Email: [email protected] Mr. S. Mohyadeen Abdul Kader, Director Raj Gupta, Director Web: www.sbittravels.co.in (M) 9840461767 (M) 9811461819 Shantkumar Biradar, Managing Director

18 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS Members Rendezvous

Shiv Vilas Resorts Pvt. Ltd. NH.No.-08 Jaipur Highway, Kukas, Jaipur Tel: 0141-2531100 Email: [email protected] New Membership Web: www.shiv-vilas.in Prathvi Raj Sharma, Director Approved w.e.f. November 14, 2019 (M) 9829063098 Silent Leopard Tours & Travels ALLIED UGF-1 to 4, Plot #1 Ansal Classique Tower Block-J, Community Centre, Rajouri Garden Affordable Tours N Travels Email: [email protected], New Delhi-110027 Office No.8, First Floor, Sarnath Complex, [email protected] Tel: (M) 9311987447 Opp. Board Office, M.P, Naga Web: www.humantripindia.in Email: [email protected] Bhopal-462016 Philippe Malet, Partner Web: www.silentleopard.com Tel :0755-4929222 (M) 9827239502 (M) 9840472440 Vaishali Shaw, Director Email: [email protected] (M) 9311987447 Web: www.affordabletoursntravels.com Imperial Voyages Pvt. Ltd. Travbuddies Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd. Rajendra Bajaj, Proprietor 233, Pocket- E, Mayur Vihar, Phase-II (M) 9827239502 003 SLV Homes, 8th Cross, 10th Main Delhi- 110091 Maruthinagar, Malleshpalya Airtrips (M) 8800333500 Bangalore-560075 Email: [email protected] Tel: (M) 974222252, 9611929000 2nd Floor, Spencer Plaza, Burdwan Road Siliguri- 734005 Web: www.imperialvoyages.com Email: [email protected] Avadhesh Narayan Mishra, Director Web: www.travbuddiesindia.com (M) 9609796097 [email protected] Tapas Panda, Director Email: [email protected] Web: www.airtrips.in (M) 9810097505 Travel Fair India Pvt. Ltd. Rahul Kumar Rustagi, Partner Amit Mishra, Director 262, Ground Floor, Opp. Satnam Farm House, [email protected] [email protected] Lane No.4, Saidulajab Near Saket Metro (M) 9609596096 (M) 981007503 Station, New Delhi-110030 Tel: 011-20860916 Coterie Tours Pvt. Ltd. Passoinindia Tours Email: [email protected] S-4, Malhan Plaza, Plot No.-5, Web: www.travelfairindia.com F-7, First Floor, Unit No.-19, Kalkaji Pocket-7, Sector-12 Dwarka New Delhi -110019 Rohit Singh, Director New Delhi-110078 Tel: 011-40810468 (M) 9811222320 Tel: 011- 43081818 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Travelorr-A Unit of Excelorr Services Web: www.passoinindia.com Web: www.coterietours.com 7A1, 7th Floor, Mainaak Towers, Beside Amandeep Singh, Proprietor Aayakar, Bhawan, Christian Basti, G.S Road, Ranjan Kumar Jain, Director (M) 9711821991 Guwahati – 781005 (M) 9899262242 Tel: 0361-2340101 Email: [email protected] Destination Asia Tattva Journeys LLP Web: www.travelorr.com Pocket B, 4117, 5 & 6, Vasant Kunj F-28, Medha Apartment, Mayur Vihar, Nilesh Jain, Director New Delhi- 110070 Phase-1, Delhi- 110091 (M) 9833407234 Tel: 011-261301775 (M) 9811783768 Tel: 011-40591595, 42058095 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Wildlife Explorer India Pvt. Ltd. Web: www.destinationasia.org GL-13, 208, Second Floor, Hari Nagar Jail Road Web: www.thetattva.com Narendra Singh Naruka, Proprietor Nitin Budhaulia, Partner New Delhi-110058 (M) 9811783768 Tel: 011-45541946 (M) 9810712498 Email: [email protected] Discover Nature Holidays Web: www.wildlifeexplorerindia.com Welkin House Opp. Khyber Thousand Island Hotels and Resorts Balvinder Singh, Director Medical Institute Khyam Road, Srinagar Pvt. Ltd. 9818147830 Tel: 0194-480330 A-805, Sapath-IV, Opp. Karnavati Club, Email: [email protected] S.G. Highway, Ahmedabad-380051 Yoho Travels Pvt. Ltd. Web: www.discovernatureholidays.com Tel: 02877-281000 1st Floor, Bhogal Complex, Veer Savarkar Masood Ahmad Shangloo, Proprietor Fax: 02877-281099 Block, Shakarpur, Near Nirman Vihar, (M) 9810014108 Email: [email protected], veerendra. Delhi-110092 [email protected] Tel: 011- 40307777 Human Trip India Web: www.1000island.in Email: [email protected] No.245, Sathyavani Muthu Nagar, Veerendra Parashar, Web: www.yohotravels.com Pallavan Salai, Chennai-600 002 Director of Sales & Marketing Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Director Tel: 044-25386251 (M) 9789816451 (M) 722693001 9899198889

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 19 IATO Album Luncheon meet at The Suryaa In its monthly luncheon meeting organised at The Suryaa - Delhi, IATO invited its taxation consultant, SC Kamra to give a presentation on changes made by the government on Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM). The EC also welcomed the new CMD of ITDC, G Kamala Vardhana Rao.

20 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS Budget 2020-21

IATO’s budget recommendations A meeting was held at Transport Bhawan under the Chairmanship of Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India on November 27, 2019, where major recommendations were made by IATO.

Treat inbound tourism as tourist/ foreign tour operator) which is IGST exemption export of services applicable for IT Industry. Very often foreign tourists visiting India The parameters/definition of 'export of Cascading effect of GST include their tour to Nepal, Bhutan, Sri services' may be relaxed in the case of Lanka and other neighbouring countries. tour operators and the services of tour The backbone of GST system is based In such tours, IGST is payable on the operators earning foreign exchange on the principle that there is no double entire package cost including services for the country may be ac- taxation/multiple taxation, whereas provided in the neighbouring country. It corded with the status tourism is suffering from cascading ef- is necessary that the cost of services pro- of 'export of services' fect of GST on various input services viz. vided outside India should not suffer GST paving the way for non- hotel, transport, professionals, office even if package includes India tour. At payment of IGST on bill- rent, maintenance of office and office present, IGST is exempted only when ser- ing to the foreign tourists equipment etc. vices are provided to a foreign tourist for /foreign tour operators. organising his tour wholly outside India. On one hand, the government has fixed There is a need to relax this parameter For this purpose, the criteria 5% GST for tour operators, on the other so that in a composite tour, portion of the of 'place of supply' of services hand, input tax credit on input services tour organised outside India should also based on its performance as has been withdrawn except services of be exempted from IGST. specified in section 13(3)(b) counterpart tour operators in the same of IGST Act may also be ex- line of business. The ill effects of denial A pre-budget consultation on issues cepted / made inapplicable for of ITC and cascading effect of taxes of direct and indirect taxes for tour operators operating in the needs to be addressed by the Finance Union Budget 2020-21 took place country. The 'place of supply' Ministry and the concerned policy on December 4, 2019 at the North of services of tour operators makers so that requite framework is Block, where IATO also pushed should be linked with the loca- put in place that the tourism industry is tion of the recipient (foreign looking for. forward its recommendations.

IATO SPEAKS December 2019 21 In Conversation IITF goes digital from Jan 1, 2020 The fi rst module of Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) certifi cation commenced from January 1, 2020 shares Meenakshi Sharma, Director General – Tourism, Government of India.

he Incredible India Tourist Fa- information and offering a wholesome T cilitator Certification (IITFC) experience to tourists coming to India,” programme aims to create an online she reveals. platform to provide training and certification to new age tourist facilitators The certification programme com- available anytime, anywhere, any de- prises of basic and advance self-paced vice and self-paced. Enabling Indian courses designed in a manner that the citizens to develop and enhance the users can learn at their own time, skills associated with tourism, this is a space, path and pace. The certification digital initiative where one can incorpo- programme comprises of basic, ad- rate knowledge about facilitating tour- vance, refresher and lingual self-paced ists across the country. courses. Being a centralised, PAN-India e-learning module, the course delves on The tourism sector is highly depend- skill development. ent on skill development, claims Meenakshi Sharma. “We all know that “It is already online and the payment tourism is one sector that provides em- Meenakshi Sharma, Director General, MOT gateways opened on December 20. The ployment to many people, right from first module starts from January 1, the top of the line to the lowest level, 2020. We already have this programme and across all sectors including hospi- in English and Hindi, and we are work- tality, travel operators, and guides. ing with state governments to provide MOT will promote the programme this programme in other regional lan- Hence, in order to meet the demand of on social media and ofﬂ ine guages as well. The best part is that the industry and fill the gap, Ministry channels and will also organise this course can be done at any level,” of Tourism (MOT) has launched the she explains. ‘Incredible India Tourist Facilitator’ workshops at the state level. (IITF) certification, which would cre- Going forward, MOT will develop MOT will promote the programme on ate and give them the required skills. If an e-marketplace as well. social media and offline channels, and anybody wants to know about an expe- will also organise workshops at the rience or a destination, they can do this state level. Going forward, MOT will through an online learning manage- develop an e-marketplace, which will ment system. It can be done full-time be accessible by individual travellers or part-time, in the remotest parts of This is something that can bridge as well. the country. the gap, in at least providing tourist The programme aspires to reach out to a far-flung audience encompassing a diversity of candidates ranging from an Who can enrol for the certiﬁ cation? enthusiastic student who has recently qualified for higher secondary to an hile the strategic partner residents of J&K and Ladakh. ambitious homemaker willing to grasp Wfor IITF is Wipro, IITTM The minimum qualification for tourist facilitation skills from the com- Noida is the knowledge partner and taking up the programme is 10+2. fort of their home. the course has also been designed by However, for applicants above the them. MOT has already received 7,500 age of 40, a 10th class certificate is queries for the course, and they are also valid. MOT has also set up a targeting around 20,000 registrations dedicated helpline for applicants. Registration, user manual in the first month of commencement There is a refresher programme and more details about the of the programme. for regional-level guides; they don’t programme is available have to do the beginners programme The course fee is `2,000, which and automatically qualify for the on IITFC's portal, is exempted for SC/ST/OBC and learners’ course. www.iitf.gov.in

22 December 2019 IATO SPEAKS

IATO's widespread presence across the country with its state chapters

Jammu & Kashimir Chapter (Srinagar)

Punjab Chapter (Ludhiana) Ladakh

Himachal Chapter Haryana & Chandigarh (Shimla) North East Chapter Chapter (Guwahati) (Chandigarh) IATO Headquarter (Delhi) Rajasthan Chapter Sikkim & North (Jaipur) Bengal Chapter (Darjeeling) Bihar, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand Chapter (Lucknow)

Madhya Pradesh Chapter (Bhopal) West Bengal Chapter (Kolkata) Maharashtra Odisha Chapter Gujarat Chapter Chapter (Bhubaneswar) (Ahmedabad) (Mumbai)

Andhra Pradesh & Goa Chapter Telangana Chapter (Panaji) Karnataka (Hyderabad) Chapter (Bengaluru) Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Andaman & Nicobar Chapter (Trichy) Kerala Chapter (Kochi)