A delegation of four Trade Associations comprising of Mr. P.P. Khanna, President, ADTOI alongwith Heads of IATO, ATOAI, OTAOI met Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in the Ministry on 27^th May 2020 to  place before him plight of the people working for  the growth of tourism in the country specially the domestic tourism which is the savior at this time of pandemic COVID 19  when the Central and State Government lift lock down and open up the economic activities .       

The Hon’ble Minister was very kind enough to hear the grievances and gave assurance of his support and  cooperation  to look into points 

Among other things discussed, I on behalf of ADTOI submitted the following for his  kind consideration:

1)       As the domestic tourism will be the mainstay of the Indian Tourism post COVID 19, Ministry may  declare the YEAR 2020-21 as the  DOMESTIC TOURISM YEAR so that our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of every Indian visiting at least 15 tourist destinations will be accomplished.

2)      To create a National Tourism Task Force for framing policies and procedures for monitoring the growth of domestic tourism

3)      To undertake a  comprehensive study of Domestic Tourism in the Country to know the pattern so  that Government Central & State can provide infrastructure  required  as per the  demand and supply of tourist traffic to region specific.

4)      Travel Trade is by and large is an unorganized sector.  It should be made mandatory to get the players in the field registered with Central or State Government Agencies(Licensing)

5)      Relaxation in the MDA scheme applicable to Domestic Tour Operator as the existing scheme does not provide  any incentives to the category.  Scope should be widened.

6)      Recognised ADTOI Domestic Tour Operator may be allowed to  deal with ticketing of LTC/LTA.

7)      Tax Rebate on the holiday packages booked through recognized Domestic Tour Operators

We would appreciate if the above outcome from the meeting with  Hon’ble Tourism Minister is brought to the notice of all Industry people through your esteemed media.