Let’s travel together.

Hope floats …

From the tried and tested triangles to offbeat and experiential tours and itineraries, the India story holds a plethora of promise in tourism, which aims to be offered to both national and international markets

Come September and the travel industry, especially associations dedicated to the cause of tourism, get into the conference, convention and mart mode. The objective is clear, to get people to connect, reconnect, learn and unlearn on what is, what can be and what should be. The aim is to network, introspect and acknowledge both triumphs and tribulations, with a resolve to work towards the betterment of business and the industry in general. The recently held HRAO event in Odisha set the tone for such discussions. It was also the meeting of minds, both from the public and the private sector, to improve their tourism strategy and bring in the desired results. As I have mentioned in my previous edits, the future source markets for both domestic and outbound travel will emerge from the Tier II and III cities of India.

From the tried and tested triangles to offbeat and experiential tours and itineraries, the India story holds a plethora of promise in tourism, which aims to be offered to both national and international markets

Further, the recently held ICPB Convention also emphasized on the need to commence regional chapters to have a pan India presence, both in metros and other towns. The government’s ambition to bring in 20 million tourist arrivals by 2020 was expressed at the convention. The chairman of ICPB articulately linked the two, wherein attracting MICE business into the country will work as a strong and favourable strategy to bring in the numbers.

Our cover story elaborates on various areas of work that is happening and should be done to get to the 2020 dream. September will also witness a focused mart dedicated to the inbound sector of tourism. International buyers will meet in the country’s capital to market the India story in their respective countries. From the tried and tested triangles to offbeat and experiential tours and itineraries, the India story holds a plethora of promise in tourism, which aims to be offered to both national and international markets at these convergences.

India Tourism with its new Incredible India 2.0 campaign is powerful; all we need is a little more for us to score.

REEMA LOKESH
Editor
[email protected]