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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK COVER STORY

t gives me immense pleasure to have our new IATO elected team who took charge on April 28, 2018 after successful completion of the election process. My Ispecial thanks to Akshay Kumar who was the returning officer and who handled the job with transparency and responsibility. Response from the members was MONSOON TOURISM: overwhelming. Arrangements for conducting the election at the Hotel Ashok was well-appreciated by all, and Rajeev Mehra, vice president deserves special applaud. IATO secretariat worked behind the scenes for a smooth electoral operation. I appreciate the teamwork shown in the whole process. Soon after taking charge, the new committee met on May 3, 2018 at the IATO SHOWERS OFOPPORTUNITY office and took several positive decisions which remained pending due to Election Code in operation. Two major decisions included, one about continuing with all arrangements for IATO’s 34th Annual Convention in Visakhapatnam as initiated by the previous committee, and second on restructuring of the sub-committees and make them more functional and impact oriented; others included pending membership applications which were examined and approval conveyed; upgrading IATO secretariat with special software and making the IATO website more user friendly; increased training programmes for skill development and global India Two major Travel Mart. The enthusiasm was great and quite a lot of inputs came from newly elected senior vice president, E M Najeeb; honorary secretary, Rajesh Mudgill; decisions included honorary treasurer, Ravi Gosain and new EC members Tony Marwah, P Vijayasarathy and Deepak Bhatnagar. This augurs well for IATO’s work platform one about to connect with members. continuing with all The new EC also called on the hon’ble minister of tourism K J Alphons, secretary tourism Rashmi Verma and senior officials in the ministry, and sought the support of arrangements for the ministry in IATO efforts, inviting them for 34th Annual Convention in Andhra IATO’s 34th Annual Pradesh, to resolve old pending MDA cases, ministry website and link with IATO website once the ministry's new website is made operative. Also, future roadshows, Convention in pending issues related to IATO handling ministry sponsored hospitality cases, Visakhapatnam as global media campaign and new initiatives of the ministry of tourism to boost tourism and IATO support in all those areas. The interaction was in line with IATO’s initiated by the initiatives of regularly holding interactive sessions with members and keeping them updated. The hon’ble minister extended a warm welcome and valued the feedback previous given by EC. He mentioned that the valued feedback will be very useful in better coordination between the ministry and all stakeholders. The meeting augurs well for committee and urning this lean season into a viable Shillong in Meghalaya, in us for the new fiscal. Monsoon tourism getaways second on business opportunity, has helped Karnataka, Kabini in Karnataka, IATO also partnered with SEPC under the ministry of commerce for Global monsoon tourism create its unique The mainstream destinations which Lansdowne in Uttarakhand, Dudhsagar restructuring of the Service Industry in Mumbai wherein IATO had its own booth and wherein 14 IATO Tniche in the market. There is a see huge tourist footfall during the Falls in Goa and Chandratal Lake in members were present and got the opportunity to interact with overseas buyers. So segment of travellers who prefer travelling monsoon season are in , Manali, Himachal Pradesh. sub-committees since the day one, IATO new committee remained busy and we reassure you that the during the rains, hence with the right Khandala in Maharashtra, Ooty in Tamil Industry experts express their whole team will work hard to fulfil the dreams of the total membership to the best strategies and implementation, travel tour Nadu, Coorg located in Karnataka, notions on top visited monsoon and make them possible. operators can craft customised monsoon Udaipur in Rajasthan, Lonavala in destinations in India. Leh, Spiti, tours and activities to attract tourists from Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar in Kheerganga, Jibhi Tirthan and Mc Leod more functional around the world to India. According to Maharashtra, Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Triund are top four domestic Thanks. reports by several travel agencies and Goa and the Western Ghats. Some other destinations that the travellers visit and impact tourism boards in India, domestic tourists destinations that are set in beautiful during the monsoon season in India. oriented have started flooding popular tourism locations are Valley of Flowers in There is a rise in travellers going to these destinations like Kerala, Goa, Uttarakhand, Gushaini-Tirthan valley in destinations especially in the monsoon Maharashtra, Karnataka, Meghalaya Himachal Pradesh, Mandu in Madhya season as most of them are operational Pronab Sarkar, President, IATO including many others. Pradesh, Saputara, Dang in Gujarat, only in this season. Indians travel to

2 JUNE, 2018 IATO NEWSLETTER IATO NEWSLETTER JUNE, 2018 3 COVER STORY COVER STORY

road trips along the popular road routes special offers for tourists, B2B meets, a information dissemination and to further during the monsoon are from Mumbai to lot of monsoon sports events like mud boost tourism in the country. Coorg, Ooty to Wayanad, to football, mud volleyball etc. The The travel industry feels that India Valparai, Chennai to Kodaikanal, to Government is also launching an has huge potential in tapping monsoon states like Maharashtra, Kerala, via -- International Music Festival called based tourism activities. Indian Meghalaya, Karnataka and Uttarakhand Trivandrum, Bangalore to Calicut, 'Monsoon Raga' during this time, monsoons are the most exotic and during the monsoon season. Dehradun to Nainital, Bangalore to Pune, inspired by the success of Nishagandhi beautiful rainy seasons in the world. If it Maharashtra attracts hordes of Mumbai to Goa and Goa to Hampi. Online Dance festival. This is expected to attract is packaged well and made available to tourists during monsoon. Apart from travel platforms help a tourist to select thousands of music lovers all across the tourists, India can become the world regular monsoon tourism activities, his/her own kind of experience and country. Moreover, the government is leader in the coming years. 'Festival of Fireflies' at Bhandardara in activity driven by the experiences shared also launching the 'Jatayu Para The diversity that India offers being a Nashik is a great attraction for tourists by other travellers. Adventure ropeway' in district in subcontinent is immense. India offers during monsoon. During this time, Activities popular during monsoons the monsoon season, which also has the options for mountains, beaches and millions of fireflies camp on the trees of are ashram and temple tour, early largest bird statue in the world. The state deserts. However, for this to take place Bhandardara just before monsoon starts. morning yoga meditation session, nature tourism board is also launching a new more strongly, the government must This happens because the onset of walk/trekking, white water rafting, monsoon campaign called 'Dream lower the tax burden, ease rules and build monsoon marks the beginning of the cycling, outdoor picnic lunches and season' campaign which will position infrastructure if it wants to ensure 15-20 mating time of fireflies. This natural camping activities for family and kids. Kerala as a premier monsoon destination. per cent annual growth in tourism in visage is often called 'Monsoon ki Diwali'. In Kerala, the major snake boat races coming years. Issues pertaining to GST, MTDC also has three resorts at Lonavala, happen during the monsoons. The world opening up of the shared economy and Malshej and Chikhaldara which offer famous 'Nehru Boat Race' is conducted in Future strategies to boost facilitating the adoption of new tech could magnificent views during the monsoons Alleppey which is fiercely contested and monsoon tourism herald the next trillion opportunities for and serve as an option for perfect attracts lakhs of tourists. Each snake Since monsoon tourism has emerged the sector. monsoon destination to tourists. and Munnar are offering special tourism boards look forward to catering boat with more than 119 oarsmen, as a niche segment, tour operators and Given the activities and plans that Kerala is another state which is seeing monsoon adventures and activity to these demands and offer exclusively zooming across the backwaters during hotels must adopt the right kind of the above governments have in place for growing popularity as a monsoon packages. curated packages and activities for this this time is a sight to behold. The approach to tap this particular segment this monsoon, travel tour operators destination. The houseboat rides in particular seasonal segment. government is also conducting various and deliver the best of experiential travel hope for a smooth implementation Alleppey, Kumarakom and Ashtamudi Tourist engagement activities Sometimes the tourists usually monsoon festivals to attract tourists. The and itineraries. which will boost tourism during June- during monsoon can be packaged as once Since every tourist has a personalised engage in excursions and trips during the monsoon festival called 'Splash' in Taking into account the immense September to a large extent in a lifetime experiences. Tour operators itinerary and demands during monsoon monsoon season. As per an industry Wayanad has gained worldwide fame as a potential of digital platforms and contributing to the overall economy of in hill stations like Wayanad, Athirapally season, hotels, tour operators and report, some of the preferred drives and monsoon festival. The Splash festival has technology, theses mediums are best for the country.

4 JUNE, 2018 IATO NEWSLETTER IATO NEWSLETTER JUNE, 2018 5 IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

IATO INTERACTIVE LUNCHEON MEETING IATO members join roadshows in Asian n interactive luncheaon meeting was held on countries organised bythe Ministryof Tourism Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at The ALeela Ambience, Gurgaon. This was first luncheon meeting after the or attracting Buddhist tourists from these markets, new elected team took over and ministry of tourism, Government of India proposes to members felicitated each other and a hold Incredible India Roadshows in the following good flow of camaraderie was visible. Fcities: Members' response was also May 07, 2018 (Monday) Yangoon (Myanmar) overwhelming and interaction with May 08, 2018 (Tuesday) Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) members proved very useful to drawn May 09, 2018 (Wednesday) Bangkok (Thailand) out future work plan based on the May 10, 2018 (Thursday) Phnom Pehn (Cambodia) feedback given. Synopsis of the points Ten IATO members joined the roadshows. The platform discussed was circulated to all members provided by the ministry through these roadshows was very for updates and seeking more useful for connecting with tour operators in those markets information from members who could who were keenly interested in new products and special not be present. On the same day, there packages. The roadshows were a huge success. was EC meeting prior to luncheon meeting wherein pending issues related to FAITH were discussed and decision taken. Meetings in the IATO follows up with Ministry of Tourism various ministries

ATO addressed D.O letters to ministry of tourism, ministry resident IATO Pronab Sarkar attended of civil aviation, ministry of railways, expressing the concern the meeting chaired by Meenakshi of members related to group visas, Nipah virus in Kerala, PSharma to discuss about pending issues Icivil aviation issues and railway concerns based on feedback with the ministry and revising the hospitality received from members. Also there were follow up meetings held on all these subjects with senior officials in the ministry of case settlement of bills (which needed revision tourism to take up these bottleneck areas with the concerned to meet the high cost of hotels since GST ministries on top priority so that some solutions are made introduced, transport regulations, entry fee to possible and tourism can maintain a sustainable growth. monuments, revised guide fees as old rates were applicable since 2014) and members found it difficult to handle guests on old rates. Similarly, pending MDA cases were discussed and specially the guideline norm of five per cent growth to be shown to claim MDA which There were followup meetings to take up these was a deterrent clause as most of the members faced bad times with business because of GST bottleneckareas with the ministries on top priority confusion and package became cost so that some solutions are made possible and prohibitive. tourism can maintain a sustainable growth

6 JUNE, 2018 IATO NEWSLETTER IATO NEWSLETTER JUNE, 2018 7 IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

No charges for cancelling WTTC invites Muziris to be role model for two more transport ministers flight tickets within 24 to partner with heritage tourism projects at tourism sector to hours of booking implement Alappuzha and he Kerala state government’s he government recently biometrics prestigious Muziris Heritage proposed abolishing Project will be the role model for cancellation charges for Ttwo more heritage tourism Tdomestic flight tickets if the he World Travel & Tourism projects at Alappuzha and Thalassery. The state government has allocated ` 40 crore for heritage cancellation is made within 24 hours of According to the charter,the Council (WTTC) has invited P M Noushad, managing director, booking. However, the proposed rule Ttransport ministers attending Muziris Projects, informed, “The Kerala projects this financial year and a major share of this will go won’t apply if the tickets are booked less cancellation charges should be the annual International Transport state government is working on two more than 96 hours (four days) before the Forum in Leipzig, Germany, to partner heritage tourism projects at Alappuzha towards the Route and Muziris Projects.We have acquired scheduled departure time of the flight. printed prominentlyon ticket with the tourism sector to implement and Thalassery. Muziris will be the role During this 24-hour 'lock-in period', biometrics to make travel more model for these new projects. In 2016, the land near for a Maritime Museum which will be of and airline and their agents passengers would be able to make efficient and secure. Speaking to the finance minister and chief minister of international standards and the 31 countries along the Spice correction in name or amend the travel together should not levy Open Ministerial Meeting, Gloria Kerala wrote to UNESCO for listing the date free of cost, Jayant Sinha, minister Guevara Manzo, president and CEO, Spice Route Project. The 31 countries Route have shown interest in contributing to the project both in of state for civil aviation told reporters, cancellation charge more than WTTC said, “Travel and tourism which were part of the Spice Route such as while unveiling the draft air passengers generates 10.4 per cent of the world’s the Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, investment and in data collection charter. the basic fare plus fuel GDP and creates 313 million jobs. Oman, the GCC countries among others, “Airline will provide lock-in option Transport – aviation, maritime, road have shown keen interest to contribute to for 24 hours after booking ticket where surcharge and rail – is fundamental to our the project, both in terms of investment as Research and Convention Centre – which roads, street lights, toilet blocks, boat ticket can be cancelled without any sector’s success. IATA is forecasting a well as documentation. So this June, can accommodate 1200 pax and has state- jetties (which locals can also use for their charges. This facility will be available rise from four billion annual ambassadors from at least 15 of these of-the-art facilities. From January to April daily commutes), etc. At present we own for passenger up to 96 hours prior to to the charter, the cancellation charges passengers now to 7.8 billion over the countries along with some of their this year we have already earned ` 26 lakh 11 air conditioned boats and the charges flight departure,” he said. While some should be printed prominently on ticket next ten years, UNWTO estimates scholars will converge for a one day (` 12 lakh from the convention centre).” are very nominal. There has been a lot of airlines already provide this service, and airline and their agents together global international arrivals to rise discussion in Kochi to study the Muziris When complete, there will be a total of tourist footfall. Every month since some do charge a fee for corrections. should not, under any circumstances, from 1.3 to 1.8 billion by 2030. This and Alappuzha projects. Based on these 29 museums and heritage sites in the January this year, around 650 foreign The charter, however, will be binding on levy cancellation charge more than the growth poses a challenge not only to discussions, we will organise an Muziris project. Presently, six museums tourists have visited the synagogues in all airlines in domestic sector. basic fare plus fuel surcharge. infrastructure capacity but also how international conference in January 2019.” and three heritage sites have been the area (six out of the three main The charter has been placed in Under the existing rules, different to ensure these travellers can be Muziris Projects is fully owned by the opened to the public. After the first phase synagogues are part of the Muziris public domain and consultation process airlines charge varying amounts on processed efficiently and securely.” Government of India to spearhead Kerala’s was opened to the public, there was a Project). will be open for 30 days. The changes cancellation. There have been several She added, “In order for us to achieve greenfield project in heritage tourism. The delay in completing the second phase. Outlining the future roadmap for the could be notified in two months after complaints by passengers about airlines this growth and create jobs, we need to project timeline is 10 years. Commenting Denying this, Noushad said, “There has Muziris Project, Noushad informed, “We the consultation process, the refusing a refund or charging work together to find solutions which on the investment so far in India’s largest been no delay as such. Being a have acquired land near Pattanam for a government said. The charter proposes inordinately hefty amount. The charter increase capacity, enhance customer heritage tourism project, Noushad stated, government project some delays are Maritime Museum which will be of that passengers would be compensated also proposes that if the passenger is experience and ensure security. “The ` 42.5 crore allocation by expected. The second phase has already international standards and the 31 '20,000 on missing connecting flights if informed about cancellation of flight Technology is the key and biometrics is Government of India has been fully used opened.” countries along the Spice Route have the delay is over 12 hours, and '10,000 if less than two weeks before and up to 24 a solution which is already being used and state government has made an Commenting on how the project has shown interest in contributing to the the delay is between 4-12 hours. hours of the scheduled departure time, around the world. I invite ministers of additional investment of ` 100 crore. The benefited the local community and the project both in investment and in data The Directorate General of Civil the airline must offer an alternative transport to partner with us to speed up project hopes to break even by 2022/23. trickle down effect of Muziris, he added, collection. The state government has Aviation (DGCA) could look into issues flight allowing the passenger to depart the adoption of biometrics, and The revenue sources include the 12 boat “We employ a lot of local labour so there allocated ` 40 crore for heritage projects where the airlines are not in agreement within two hours of the booked together we can ensure that more jobs jetties, the restaurants and the is direct employment. The local this financial year and a major share of with the passenger on the scheduled departure time or refund the are created.” international convention centre at community is also benefited from this will go towards the Spice Route and compensation issue, he said. According ticket, as acceptable to the passenger. – Muziris International tourism infrastructure development like Muziris Projects.”

8 JUNE, 2018 IATO NEWSLETTER IATO NEWSLETTER JUNE, 2018 9 IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

Foreigners can nowtravel to Nagaland, India’s first Bollywood theme park Mizoram,Manipur unrestricted: opens in Maharashtra

pending over three and a half Home ministry decades in the film industry, Nitin Desai planned to expand his love oreign tourists, except those from Pakistan, China and Sfor Bollywood to the entire world. Afghanistan, would now be allowed to visit some of the MTDC supported his idea and thus was most pristine locations of the country which, so far, born ND’s Film World, India's first Fwere out of bounds for them without a special permit, Bollywood theme park creating a novel officials said today. tourism market altogether. The home ministry has decided to relax the six-decade-old Nitin Desai, today is a household name Protected Area Permit regime from Nagaland, Mizoram and when it comes to art direction and Manipur for five years with effect from April 1, a ministry production design. “Before when I started official said. Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, out as a production designer, we had to 1958, all areas falling between the Inner line and the create sets in 2D format. Chanakya was my International Border of some states were declared as first project and extensive research went protected areas. The protected areas currently include whole into making the set. Research is a very key of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and factor when it comes to taking the audience Sikkim, besides parts of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, back to an era that no longer exists, is just Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. Some parts of Sikkim alive maybe through pictures,” says Desai. fall under the protected area regime while others under the Recreating periods from then on restricted area. became Desai's thing. Set on a journey to “A review is underway to lift the PAP from other areas too,” discovery India, he also unfolded the past of massive research, material and technology shot here. Other major attractions include another official said. Citizens from Pakistan, China and Indian history. Whether it was the 1942 go into recreating eras that the director Sheesh Mahal, village set-up, Mumbai’s Afghanistan, however, continue to be banned from all PAP Love Story or Jungle Book or the TV show dreams of having in his films. But what Town Square and iconic locations such as areas, including Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. As per a KBC, Desai didn't shy away from venturing used to pain my heart the most is when Fashion Street, Wax Museum, Ghost December 30, 2010 circular of the ministry, Manipur, Mizoram into subjects completely different from after the film was done, the set was House, Jail Restaurant, Chor Bazaar and and Nagaland were excluded from the protected area regime each other. To keep all these memories safe dismantled and shattered into pieces. I Food Bazaar (Khau Galli). initially for a period of one year from January 1, 2011, subject and linger on them once in a while, he has couldn't grasp this because when I went “But what will attract tourists the most, to some conditions. As per the guidelines, a foreign national is specially maintained a historical library abroad, many of the studios preserve the especially domestic tourists is the fact that not normally allowed to visit a protected or restricted area that fulfills that wish too. Given all this, it sets and keep it as it is. This is very they can be one with these sets. If they unless the government is satisfied that there are should come as no surprise that he is the important as sometimes these sets become choose to, we have fashion designers and extraordinary reasons to justify his or her visit. face behind creating India's first Bollywood timeless and the next generation should be hair and makeup artists that will dress Every foreigner, except a citizen of Bhutan, who desires to theme park. To support his idea and give it able to go visit them.” them up and from Madhubala to Julie to enter and stay in a protected or restricted area, is required to further impetus, Maharashtra Tourism After understanding and speaking to Jodha, you can be anything you want. Just obtain a special permit from a competent authority having the Development Corporation (MTDC) various experts, Desai decided that India recently on the occasion of International power to issue such permits. In cases, where the power to issue associated with his studios, named ND was not going to be behind in this field Women's Day, we partnered with Veena such permits has not been delegated to a subordinate authority Studios and thus was born ND'S Film especially given how sets bring movie World and to our amazement, over 8000 by the Union government, the application for the special permit subject to the certain exceptions. In cases of foreign World. MTDC terms this idea as scenes to life connecting the audience to women came to fulfil their Bollywood has to be referred to the home ministry for prior approval, at least diplomats, including the members of the United Nations and Mahabhraman. This term encourages an the film's story, making them feel a part of dreams over four days at the theme park,” eight weeks before the date of the expected visit. With an aim to international organisations holding diplomatic or official entirely novel concept of tourism. Set in the it. Working on this chain of thoughts, Desai adds Desai. promote tourism, the government, time to time by notification, passports, the special permits to visit such protected or beautiful landscape of Karjat, the studios has set up a theme park spread over 45 Tour and travel operators can add ND’s exempts some of such restricted or protected areas from the restricted areas are issued by the ministry of external affairs. has something special for the tourism acres in Karjat. Several hit films and Film World in their itinerary not just when need of special permission for foreigners to visit them. In cases of the citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and industry. television shows like Prem Ratan Dhan it comes to visiting Maharashtra but also Necessary powers have been delegated to various foreign nationals of Pakistani origin, no permit, however, can Speaking further on this project, Desai Payo, Mangal Pandey, Jodha Akbar, Kick, when it comes to visiting India in particular authorities to issue such special permits without the prior be issued without the prior approval of the Union home excitedly says, “Sometimes it would take Dabbang, and Indu Sarkaar, Raja Shiva as foreign tourists have long been approval of the home ministry to facilitate foreign tourists ministry. me months to build a particular set as Chattapati, Bajirao Mastani, Big Boss were fascinated with Bollywood.

10 JUNE, 2018 IATO NEWSLETTER IATO NEWSLETTER JUNE, 2018 11 IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

Air passenger count goes up Indian Railways launches Rail MADAD for more than 10 crore in India real-time complaint redressal

nion Minister Jayant Sinha ave a complaint while travelling recently said the number of air on an Indian Railways train? Do passengers in the country has you want to track the status of Ugone up to more than 10 crore, Hgrievance redressal? Indian which is higher than railway passengers Railways has launched a new ‘Rail travelling in AC coaches. MADAD’ app for the very purpose of The union minister of state for civil speedy redressal of passengers aviation said the number of air passengers complaints. Railway minister Piyush Goyal would increase further as the government has launched the ‘Rail MADAD’ (Mobile intends to set up more airports in the Application for Desired Assistance During country including in Jharkhand to improve travel) App that aims to expedite and air connectivity. Prime minister Narendra streamline passenger grievance redressal. Modi had recently laid foundation of an The Railway Passenger Grievance international airport in Deoghar, which Redressal and Management System would help attract tourists thus giving (RPGRAMS) has been developed by the boost to tourism sector of the state, he told Delhi Division of Northern Railway and has reporters here. The government also has many features. The ‘Rail MADAD’ app plan to set up airports in Hazaribag, allows passengers to register complaints Bokaro, Dhanbad and Dumka to improve through mobile phone or web. Under this air connectivity, Sinha said. Birsa Munda feature, all the complaints received from airport in Ranchi has been developed as multiple modes will be integrated through one of the best airports in small cities, while RPGRAMS on a single platform. Then the the Deoghar airport would be modern complaints will be analysed and reports airport of the state with all necessary will be generated, which will entitle the top modes of filing complaints including offline facilities for fliers as well as for operation of management to continuously monitor the and online modes (at present, there are 14 air traffic, he said. pace of grievance redressal and to assess offline and online modes) will be integrated the performance of trains, railway stations, on a single platform which will allow the field units on various parameters including The ‘Rail MADAD’app allows management to present a holistic picture cleanliness, catering, amenities etc. Here of weak or deficient areas and which will Flights in India to have Wi-Fi connections soon are five facts every Indian Railways passengers to register also enable concerned officials to take passenger should know about the ‘Rail focused corrective action. he Telecom Commission recently to improving services of air passengers MADAD’ grievance redressal system: complaints through mobile 4) Also, trends on various performance approved a proposal which will and also making their travel delightful 1) Passengers, through this App, can phone and all the complaints parameters of a selected train or a railway Tbenefit air passengers. With and hassle-free. lodge complaints with minimum inputs. station will be generated on the basis of the respect to this proposal, air passengers According to sources, the pricing of Also, the app has an option to upload a received from multiple modes data, analysed by RPGRAMS like can soon have access to WiFi connections providing the services would be left to photo. Once the passenger registers cleanliness, amenities etc. Therefore, it will onboard aircraft. respective airlines. The Home Ministry his/her complaint, he/she will get an will be integrated through make the managerial decision more “Exciting times ahead in Indian skies has already given its nod to the proposal. instant ID through SMS followed by a precise as well as effective. as Telecom Commission approved data Last year, the Department of Telecom customized SMS communicating the RPGRAMS on a single platform 5) Interestingly, hierarchy-based and voice services in flights over Indian had asked the Telecom Regulatory action taken thereon by Indian Railways. reports will be made available for airspace,” Civil Aviation minister Suresh Authority of India to give its Also, the ‘Rail MADAD’ App relays real- helpline number, security number etc. management across all railway Prabhu said, announcing the Telecom recommendations on licensing terms and time feedback to passengers on the status Additionally, the ‘Rail MADAD’ App also divisions/zones as well as railway board. In Commission’s decision. The minister said implementation' of the proposal. The modalities for providing in-flight data and of redressal of their complaints. provides the facility of direct calling for addition to this, every week, the reports that he will ensure 'earliest government wants to remain committed voice services. 2) The ‘Rail MADAD’ App also displays immediate assistance in one easy step. will be sent through auto email to every various helpline numbers such as child 3) Now, under this new feature, all concerned officer.

12 JUNE, 2018 IATO NEWSLETTER IATO NEWSLETTER JUNE, 2018 13 IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

Announcements Announcements

Cox & Kings launches Self-Drive 365 for road trip new flights mainly onboard ATR aircraft, will allow Jet Airways Maharashtra to get new airport at Sindhudurg this year Chennai- and Bengaluru-Kozhikode would have an enthusiasts across India to embark on a journey to ensure that unserved regions and Maharashtra will get a new airport at ParuleChipi in additional evening flight and Chennai-Hyderabad a third flight, underserved airports are maximised to their full potential. The Sindhudurg district in 2018. Work on the project is expected to starting June 16, the airline said. Cox & Kings has always been famous for constantly UDAN scheme is a great initiative which facilitates in realising be completed in June this year, before the onset of monsoon and The 10 new flights and additional frequencies are aimed at innovating and releasing new products in the market that can the benefits of the aviation sector, reach the vast expanse of the Ganesh Festival, which will begin in September this year. strengthening the airline’s southern India network. It will be cater to all kinds of travellers in the Indian market. For the India and its various geographies. It is our constant endeavour The airport is being constructed by IRB Sindhudurg operated with the regional Bombardier Q-400 regional jets, women travellers, it introduced Getaway Goddesses and just to provide connectivity with a view to providing a fillip to the Airport on a design-build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT) SpiceJet said in a release. last year, the company came out with a new segment called development of trade and tourism within all parts of India.” basis for the Maharashtra Industrial Development “SpiceJet is on the path of a major fleet expansion which Enabled Travellers for the disabled people. Starting from June 14, Jet Airways will fly three times a Corporation (MIDC). Sindhudurg airport will have a 2500- means new routes and destinations for our customers. We have For the year 2018, Cox & Kings launched a segment called week on the Lucknow-Allahabad-Patna sector. Commencing meter runway which has provision for future development. The introduced evening flights on key sectors which will operate in Self-Drive 365. Karan Anand, head of relationships, Cox & from June 15, Jet Airways will fly three times a week between airport will be built at an approximate cost of `520 crore. addition to the existing morning flights and help business Kings said, “The travel market has been changing constantly New Delhi and Nashik. Effective June 16, Jet Airways will Sindhudurg airport will have the capacity to handle 200 travellers conveniently plan same day trips,” said Shilpa and our company has always believed in keeping up with the commence operations three times a week on the Nagpur- departing and 200 passengers arriving during peak hours with Bhatia, chief sales and revenue officer, SpiceJet. The carrier latest trends and innovating products that satisfy all kinds of Allahabad-Indore sector. expansion facilities to serve up to 400 departing and 400 currently operates 412 average daily flights to 55 destinations, travellers. From group tours to family tours and then couple With the introduction of the new flights, guests can now arriving passengers without additional construction. Although including 48 domestic and seven international ones, with a fleet travels to now the solo traveller, the market has seen a constant travel to a host of other cities both on Jet Airways' domestic the airport will be serving domestic travellers it will be of 37 Boeing 737NG and 22 Bombardier Q-400s. change. We noticed a rise in self-drive trips and to serve that and international network via convenient connections on offer. equipped with facilities to serve international charter flights. market, launching this new segment is necessary.” The ministry of civil aviation has given in-principle approval The new segment aims to encourage travellers to discover and environmental clearance has also been granted by the Direct flight services to commence between and be a one-stop road trip planner while offering a range of Tourism ministry, Google Arts and Culture bring Ministry of Environment and Forest. An airport in Sindhudurg Singapore and Amaravati road trips within Indian and across the globe. Incredible India campaign to VR was necessary in order to provide better connectivity to the Direct flight services between Singapore and Amaravati, Debolin Sen, business head, Self-Drive 365 added, “We have From a Goa beach, to a teeming bazaar of Delhi, to a close Konkan region of Maharashtra, parts of Goa, North Karnataka the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, will commence within 30 personally gone on these trips and made a list of destinations view of the Guru Granth Sahib in Amritsar’s Golden Temple, and Western Maharashtra. days, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said recently. and activities that the consumer can do while on a self-drive Google Arts and Culture brings India’s heritage, festivity, Singapore Airlines has come forward to operate direct trip. After intensive consumer research, we have made a list of spirituality and adventure to users in form of a new 360-degree flights between the two cities, he said. “We are giving all top 10 domestic and international trips one can take. From video. SpiceJet to launch flight services in necessary clearances required for that,” he told a press customised itineraries to travel assistance and insurance, Cox Created in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism for its Chennai-Mangaluru sector conference. Singapore minister for Information and & Kings will take care of everything.” international tourism campaign 'Incredible India', the video Budget carrier SpiceJet recently said it will connect Communication S Iswaran was also present. The decision to takes viewers on a journey to some of the most iconic Chennai to Mangaluru starting this June. Apart from this, the operate direct flights between Amaravati and Singapore was destinations in India like Hampi’s Vitthala Temples and Qutub carrier also plans to enhance frequencies on some of its taken at the third meeting of the Joint Implementation Jet Airways commences operations under the Regional Minar in Delhi. existing routes in . Steering Committee recently, Naidu said. Speaking about India as a destination of diverse Services on the Hyderabad-Rajahmundry are being The idea was to have direct flights between these Connectivity Scheme experiences, Union tourism minister K J Alphons said, “India is enhanced with an additional evening flight from May 25, while destinations ahead of the World Cities Summit scheduled to be Jet Airways, the Indian full-service international carrier, an iconic destination that offers unique experiences of climate, held in Singapore from July 8, he added. Also, with Singapore recently announced the launch of operations under the 'Ude geography, culture, art, literature, and food. We want to give companies actively involved in the development of Amaravati Desh ka Aam Naagrik' (UDAN) scheme. people in India and across the world an opportunity to immerse city, the need for flights was even more, the chief minister said. The airline has been awarded four routes under the in our country’s rich heritage. Through our partnership with “International flights are essential for the development of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) and will launch Google, we want to engage new and global audiences and offer any city. Direct flights to Singapore will also connect us to the operations on three new routes out of the four routes awarded, them immersive content in a never-before-seen manner.” world,” Naidu said. Meanwhile, over 63,425 citizens favoured and will subsequently launch Lucknow-Bareilly-Delhi-Bareilly- The Google teams visited Hampi, Delhi, Goa and Amritsar introduction of flights between Amaravati (Vijayawada Lucknow. over 12 days to capture 'stunning slices of life that typify each airport) and Singapore, a survey conducted by the Andhra On the occasion, Gaurang Shetty, whole time director, Jet place' using the best of 360-degree video capture technology, Pradesh Airports Development Corporation has revealed. The Airways said, “Jet Airways started off with the aim of including Google’s Yi Halo camera. “After 12 days in India, and survey was conducted on its website and WhatsApp seeking introducing India to a world class travel experience and over 40 hours of travel, we had transversed India. The music is public opinion on starting flights between these destinations. connectivity embodied in the 'joy of flying'. Having pioneered inspired by the rhythms and melodies of the regions depicted in International status was accorded to the Vijayawada airport the operations of the ATR aircraft in India, the launch of these the video,” the company said in a blog post. last year.

14 JUNE, 2018 IATO NEWSLETTER IATO NEWSLETTER JUNE, 2018 15 IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

Tourism Statistics: April 2018 Indian demand for newaircraft forecasted Over seven lakhs Foreign Tourist Arrivals in April 2018, registering a growth of 4.4 per cent at 1,750 over 20 years over April 2017 37.2 per cent growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals on e-Tourist Visa in April 2018 over April 2017

inistry of Tourism compiles Airport (2.64 per cent), Gede Rail Land Kochi Seaport (4.4 per cent), Kochi monthly Foreign Tourist Arrivals Check Post (2.63 per cent), Goa Airport Airport (3.4 per cent), Hyderabad M(FTAs) & FTAs on e-Tourist Visa (2.30 per cent), Ghojadanga Land Check Airport (2.5 per cent), Kolkata Airport on the basis of information received from Post (1.63 per cent), Ahmedabad Airport (2.4 per cent), Amritsar Airport (1.3 per Bureau of Immigration (BOI). The (1.28 per cent), Thiruvanathapuram cent), Thiruvanathapuram Airport (1.1 following are the important highlights Airport (1.21 per cent), Amritsar Airport per cent), Jaipur Airport (1.0 per cent), regarding FTAs and FTAs one-Tourist (1.06 per cent) and Chitpur Railway Ahmedabad Airport (1.0 per cent), Visa during the month of April, 2018: Station (0.99 per cent). Trichy Airport (0.5 per cent) and Calicut Airport (0.4 per cent). Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) on ● FTAs in April 2018 were 7,49,477 as e-Tourist Visa: Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) compared to 7,17,899 in April 2017 ● During the month of April, 2018 a total of through tourism (in Rs. terms) registering a growth of 4.4 per cent. 1,57,094 tourists arrived on e-Tourist ● FTAs during the period January-April Visa as compared to 1,14,469 during the ● FEEs during the month of April 2018 2018 were 38,76,021 as compared to month of April, 2017 registering a were `15,713 crore as compared to 34,98,969 in January-April 2017 growth of 37.2 per cent. `14,260 crore in April 2017. registering a growth of 10.8 per cent. ● During January-April 2018, a total of ● The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms ● The percentage share of Foreign Tourist 9,18,792 tourists arrived on e-Tourist in April 2018 over April 2017 was 10.2 per Arrivals in India during April 2018 Visa as compared to 5,81,783 during cent. among the top 15 source countries was January-April 2017, registering a growth ● FEEs during the period January- April highest from Bangladesh (24.32 per of 57.9 per cent. 2018 were `68,629 crore with a growth of cent) followed by USA (11.21 per cent), ● The percentage shares of top 15 source 14.2 per cent, as compared to the FEE of UK (9.14 per cent), Sri Lanka (3.48 per countries availing e-Tourist Visa `60,079 crore in January-April 2017. cent), Australia (3.33 per cent), Malaysia facilities during April, 2018 were highest ndia will require 1,750 new they do today. As a result, traffic serving US$550 million annually,” said (3.06 per cent), China (2.62 per cent), from UK (16.3 per cent) followed by USA passenger and cargo aircraft over the Indian market is forecast to grow 8.1 Srinivasan Dwarakanath, president, Canada (2.53 per cent), Germany (2.48 (11.0 per cent), China (5.8 per cent), Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) the next 20 years to meet an per cent per year over the next 20 years, Airbus Commercial Aircraft in India. per cent), France (2.33 per cent), Japan Australia (5.5 per cent), France (5.3 per through tourism (in US $ terms) exponential rise in both passenger almost twice as fast as the world average India is set to become the world’s ● I (2.22 per cent), Russian Federation (2.07 cent), Thailand (4.3 per cent), Germany FEEs in US$ terms during the month of and freight traffic, according to Airbus’ of 4.4 per cent. third-largest aviation market by per cent), Thailand (1.70 per cent), (4.0 per cent), Canada (3.5 per cent), April 2018 were US$ 2.393 billion as latest India Market Forecast. To help Domestic Indian traffic is expected to 2019/2020 and Airbus is well positioned Afghanistan (1.65 per cent) and Nepal Oman (3.2 per cent), Russian Federation compared to FEEs of US$ 2.211 billion meet this growth, India will need 1,320 grow five-and-half times over the next 20 to partner its growth with backlog (1.64 per cent). (3.0 per cent), Malaysia (2.2 per cent), during the month of April 2017. new single-aisle aircraft and 430 years (2017-2036) reaching the same level orders of over 530 aircraft to date. ● The percentage share of Foreign Tourist Italy (2.1 per cent), South Africa (1.8 per ● The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in widebody aircraft valued at US$255 as U.S. domestic traffic today, making it The complete Airbus product line Arrivals in India during April 2018 cent), Spain (1.8 per cent) and Republic April 2018 over April 2017 was 8.2 per billion. one of the world’s fastest growing comprises the best-selling A320 Family among the top 15 ports was highest at of Korea (1.7 per cent). cent. While much of the air traffic growth is markets, according to the report. in the single aisle market, the popular Delhi Airport (28.75 per cent) followed by ● The percentage shares of top 15 ports in ● FEEs during the period January-April expected to be driven by the fast “Make in India is at the heart of our A330 and A330neo, the A350 XWB in the Mumbai Airport (14.46 per cent), tourist arrivals on e-Tourist Visa during 2018 were US$ 10.621 billion with a expanding economy, rising wealth and strategy. Airbus has the largest footprint mid-size widebody category and the Haridaspur Land Check Post (11.40 per April 2018 were highest from New Delhi growth of 17.4 per cent as compared to urbanisation, ambitious government- in India of any international aircraft flagship A380 in the very large aircraft cent), Chennai Airport (7.44 per cent), Airport (46.2 per cent), Mumbai Airport the FEE of US$ 9.044 billion in January- backed regional connectivity manufacturer, nationwide across all segment. In the freight market, Airbus Bengaluru Airport (5.81 per cent), (17.4 per cent), Bengaluru Airport (6.8 April 2017 with a growth of 17.5 per cent programmes are also set to enhance aircraft programmes. Our sourcing currently offers the new-build A330- Kolkata Airport (5.58 per cent), Kochi per cent), Chennai Airport (6.1 per cent), over January- April 2016. demand for air travel. By 2036, Indians volume has grown 16 times over the past 200F and the Passenger-to-Freighter Airport (4.21 per cent), Hyderabad Dabolim (Goa) Airport (4.5 per cent), will take four times as many flights as 10 years and it is currently at more than (A330P2F) programme.

16 JUNE, 2018 IATO NEWSLETTER IATO NEWSLETTER JUNE, 2018 17 IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

New Membership w.e.f 2018 New Membership w.e.f 2018

Web: www.smiline.com (M) 9999389089 Mrs. Abrahams Tours Travel Friend Vacation Trip India Active Dr N B Ramakrishna [email protected] D.334, Defence Colony 9A/1, Office No 301 Flat- 308, Hitawals Prabhu Mera Travels (P) Ltd. Email: [email protected] New Delhi- 110024 Third Floor,W.E.A. Channa Market Shree Apartments 95,Yashwant Place (M) 99 49 333 444 Fair India Travel Tel: 011-46580215 Karol Bagh Behind Pullian Petrol Pump Chanakyapuri Dr N Sunitha 405, Sadar Bazar, Email: [email protected] New Delhi – 110005 Adarsh Colony New Delhi – 110021 Email: [email protected] Agra -282001 Web: www.mrsabrahamstours.com Tel: 011-45065711 Udaipur Tel: 011-24103555 (M) 78 93 033 344 Uttar Pradesh Mr Radhika Abraham Email: [email protected] Tel: 0294 - 2430116 Mobile: 09810011534 Tel: 09760037550 (M) 98 10 069 657 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: 011-26885696 Alpha Travels Email : [email protected] Mr Thomas Abraham Web: www.travelfriend.co.in Web: www.vacationtripindia.com Email: [email protected] 43/A, sushani ganguly sarani Web: www.fairindiatravel.com [email protected] Mr Ram Krishna Prasad Jitendra Singh Shekhawat – Director Website: www.aerotrek.in Bhowanipore Mr Imran Khan – Proprietor Email: [email protected] (M) 99 29 777 661 Mr Arun Birla – Director Kolkata – 70025 (M) 98 97 355 550 Banyan Tours Pvt Ltd. (M) 9810563059 Shivpal Singh Jodha – (Sales Head) [email protected] West Bengal Email: [email protected] 903-904,Vatika City Point Email: [email protected] (M) 98 10 011 534 Tel: 033-24540325/40060325 Mr Nadeem Ahmad – General Manager Sector- 25, M G Road Karma Hospitality LLP (Tree House Hotels, (M) 9982770678 Mr Barun Birla – Director Email: [email protected] (M) 8057666970 Gurgaon -122002 Resorts & Service Apartments) (M) 98 10 008 184 Mr Arun Bhartia – Sole Proprietor Email: [email protected] Tel: 0124-4563800 (A Brand Owner of Treehouse) [email protected] Fax: 0124-4563801 H-5/1, Mall Road Allied Members (M) 9330011325 Balaji Travels Email : delhi @banyantours.com Model Town-2 Roshan Haj Umrah Tours & Travels B-20/36A, Near Jain Mandir Web : www.banyantours.com New Delhi -110009 B-31/101,Amrapali CHS Ltd., Behind Trip India Hotels & Holidays Bhelupur Mr Gajendra Singh Verma Tel: 011-42740113 TMT Bus Stop, B-29,Ansal Chamber -2 Varanasi – 221010 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Sector XI, Shanti Nagar, Mira Road East, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi- 110066 Tel: 0542-2979999 (M) 98 10 215 626 Web: www.treehousehotels.in Thane – 401107 Tel: 011-26162705 Email: [email protected] Ms Rachna Ahluwalia Ms Richa Khurana Singh Maharashtra Email : [email protected] Web: www.balajitravels.org Email: [email protected] Executive Vice President Tel: 022 – 28129262 /28119262 Web: www.tripindiahotels.com Mr Neeraj Kumar Neotia - Proprietor (M) 9811440907 (M) 98 99 356 623 Email: [email protected] Mr Sandeep Ganjoo – General Manager (M) 9936100221 Website: www.roshantoursntravels.com (M) 9910329 129, 9911705036 Shakti Tours Pvt Ltd. Trek India Outdoor Pvt Ltd. Mr Zubair Pasha Mr Anil Kaul – General Manager, Operations Rajasthan Magic Tours 903-904,Vatika City Point Karpa Complex (M) 77 38 333 811 C-187,Karni Nagar, Lallgarh Sector – 25, M G Road Opp. Nehru Park,The Mall Mr Syed Rukshsana Nafis Ahmad IRIS Vacations Pvt. Ltd Bikaner – 334001 Gurgaon -122002 (Haryana) Manali- 175131 (M) 93 21 025 561 4th Floor, 430,Ansal Chamber -2, Rajasthan Tel: 0124-4001300, Fax: 0124-4563801 Dist: Kullu 6 Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi – 110066 Tel: 0151-2525131 Email : [email protected] Himachal Pradesh Smiline Dental Hospital Pvt Ltd. Tel: 011-43494949 Email : [email protected] Web: www.shaktihimalaya.com Tel: 01902-252620 8-3-952/10/2& 2/1, Email: [email protected] Web: www.rajasthan-magictours.com Mr Gajendra Singh Verma Email: [email protected] Srinagar Colony Road Web: www.irisvacations.in Mr Kailsah Chandra Tiwari – Proprietor Email : [email protected] Web: www.trekindiamanali.com Punjagutta Mr Ashoor Husain (M) 9783 160761 (M) 98 10 215 626 Naresh Sharma- Director Hyderabad – 73 (M) 8588879991 (M) 94 18 128 191 Tel: 040 - 42000024 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mr Vikas Mittal

18 JUNE, 2018 IATO NEWSLETTER IATO NEWSLETTER JUNE, 2018 19 IN THE NEWS

Monument mitras shortlisted for developing tourist friendlyamenities at 95 monuments

for adoption include not only public and private industry, but also schools and individuals. So far, 31 prospective monument mitras have been shortlisted by the Oversight & Vision committee for developing tourist friendly amenities at 95 monuments, heritage and other tourist sites including major heritage sites like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Hampi, Sun Temple, Ajanta Caves, Char Minar, Kaziranga National Park. Rashmi Verma, secretary (tourism), Satyajeet Rajan, DG (tourism), Meenakshi Sharma (ADG tourism) and other officials were present for the event.

he 3rd Award Ceremony of Adopt a discussion session with the stakeholders Heritage Project was conducted by in which the concerns and suggestions Ministry of Tourism in were made to the minister and ministry Tcollaboration with Ministry of officials. Culture and Archaeological Survey of The scheme 'Adopt a Heritage: Apni India (ASI), State/UTs Governments in Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan' was originally New Delhi recently for awarding the launched on September 27, 2017 to Letters of Intent to the shortlisted agencies preserve the rich cultural and natural under Phase IV of the project. heritage and to promote tourism across the Awarding the Letters of Intent to length and breadth of our country. The nine agencies for 22 monuments of project began with selected ASI ticketed Phase-IV, Union Minister for Tourism monuments and the scope has now been (IC) K J.Alphons asked the stakeholders expanded to include other natural and Indian Association of Tour Operators to 'protect, preserve and market' the cultural sites across the country. It was (National Apex Body of Tour Operators) heritage of India. The minister also strongly emphasised that tourist 310, Padma Tower II, 22 Rajendra Place emphasised on creation of awareness experience is the prime parameter to New Delhi - 110008 amongst the corporates and citizens to evaluate performance in the sector. Tel : 91-11-25750034, 25738803 adopt heritage sites under the project As on date, the project has received an Fax : 91-1125750028 for creation, operation and maintenance encouraging response with over 195 e-mail : [email protected] of basic and advanced amenities at registrations as per the project website. For latest updates please visit IATO tourist destinations. The event had a Various agencies that have come forward website : www.iato.in

IATO NEWSLETTERTM Rajesh Mudgill Tanuvi Joe PRODUCTION Vol. 1 No. 9 Ravi Gosain Shivasheesh Srivastava Manager PRIVACY POLICY June 2018 Rajnish Kaistha Bhadresh Valia For Private Circulation Raj Bajaj DESIGN only This newsletter is a fully Gour Kanjilal Assistant art Director owned publication of IATO, Reema Lokesh Pravin Temble with all jurisdiction restricted Steena Joy Chief Artist to Delhi, India. All rights are Sudipta Dev Ratilal Ladani reserved. This magazine is for EDITORIAL BOARD Private Circulation only. Printed by The Indian Express (P) Ltd, Delhi, India