The Travel Industry Meet concluded on a high and this is a big moment for the Indian Travel Industry. Over 100 travel agents, media professionals and tax experts came together to discuss the biggest challenges the industry is facing and for the first time such a diverse group was on the same platform. From Tax Collected at Source (TCS) to Goods and Services Tax (GST) the discussions were to simplify the tax structure and to tackle the unethical trade practices which has been hindering the growth of the industry.

The event was led by travel industry stalwarts Shailendra Kumar Shrivastava from Krishana Holidays, Hemant Passi from DuniyaOnline, Pradeep Shishodia from Liana Tourism, Rohit Kumar from Holidays Worldwide and Naveen Nahar from Citadelii Travelz Factory LLP. Along with them were tax experts Arjun Akruwala from ASA GST Advisory Services, Vibhor Gupta from Gupta Vibhor & Associates and Pranaw Kumar Mishra from Pranaw Mishra & Associates who shared their expertise on the tax maze.

Equal Representation and Collective Decision-Making

What made this event special was the equal representation. Every one had a chance to speak and share their thoughts, an open dialogue was fostered. The event created a platform for open discussions, allowing participants to directly address the challenges and opportunities within the industry. As Naveen Nahar from Citadelii Travelz Factory LLP remarked, “The travel industry is facing challenging times, and it is crucial that we address these issues collectively. We are here to find simplified solutions that benefit all stakeholders in the industry, not play politics.”

The discussions covered key topics, including the intricacies of TCS, GST compliance, and strategies to streamline the tax structure, ensuring transparency and fairness. A panel of tax professionals and legal experts provided participants with actionable insights and advice, ensuring the event was as informative as it was collaborative.

A Movement for Change

Pradeep Shishodia from Liana Tourism emphasized the collaborative nature of the event, stating: “This meeting is more than just a discussion; it’s a movement. Every member of the travel fraternity must contribute to this cause. Even if you couldn’t attend in person, online participation ensured that all voices were heard.” He encouraged continued support, ensuring the momentum gained from the meeting would carry forward into concrete actions that shape the future of the industry.

Hybrid Format for Maximum Engagement

To ensure maximum participation, the event was conducted in a hybrid format, with many participants joining online. This allowed travel agents and professionals from across the country to engage with the discussions and contribute to the event’s outcomes. Live-streamed debates and Q&A sessions enabled those participating remotely to interact with the panel and remain informed about the strategies discussed.

Looking Ahead

The Revolutionary Travel Industry Meet has kickstarted a new wave of coming together in the Indian travel industry. This has set the stage for collective action to solve the age old problems of taxation and trade. The organizers and attendees are now more charged to take the conversation forward and implement the changes for the good of the industry.

By uniting travel agents, media professionals, tax experts, and legal advisors, this event has truly revolutionized how the Indian travel trade approaches its critical issues. The movement that began here will undoubtedly lead to greater transparency, simplified regulations, and stronger collaboration across the sector.