2015 surely brought with it action on the tourism circuit. The year opened up to a series of events, both national and international, in the form of conventions, events and exhibitions. TAFI ended successfully in Jerusalem and TAAI in Bali. On the domestic scene, the business buzz looks encouraging as travel and tourism professionals are making their presence felt, from India’s political capital to its commercial one and further on to India’s Tier II cities as well. New pockets of growth are being designed and redefined to do justice to the untapped potential of India’s vibrant jewel called tourism.
The optimists are looking at it as opportunities of investment in absolutely untapped terrains. They are leaders who not only believe in innovation but also aim at working with a holistic development map that touches lives and transforms societies. They are drafting a brand new constitution to take domestic tourism ahead in a renewed avatar. They are entrepreneurs who are thinking of India that has unlimited potential. We at ETW are proud to feature on our cover one such entrepreneur, who dreams with his eyes open. He is determined to bring in change in India’s unique territories, which are historic but hidden. He is ready to take you on a serious and well defined ride commencing from Diu to many more.
Another interesting event that will hold meaning in the month of April is GET-India in New Delhi. Inspired by the Government of India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ programme, GET-India hopes to bring together about 250 tour operators and 175 exhibitors. On the international scene the World Travel & Tourism (WTTC) Summit is all set to open doors to debates in Madrid. WTTC has also predicted a 7.5 per cent growth in tourism due to the visa on arrival initiative in India. Finally our feature story this issue analyses the potential of MICE. India is positioned 27th globally as per International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) rankings, with 142 international meetings organised in 2013. Despite the many sporadic developments happening around the country, lack of a MICE Policy and coordinated strategic vision is preventing India from becoming a leading global conferencing destination. I guess by the end of the day it is important to have faith as gradually things could be looking up for tourism, but only if we continue on the path of creativity and innovation or else we will stagnate.
Reema Lokesh
Editor