ETW STAFF – New Delhi
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) executive committee led by Subhash Goyal, president, IATO called on Dr K Chiranjeevi, minister of state for tourism, recently to extend him invitation for the 29th IATO Annual Convention, September 8-11, 2013 in Kochi (Kerala). The minister welcomed the delegation and has assured that he would be there for the opening day. He also assured full support from his ministry.
The delegation also updated the minister about the efforts of the members to raise funds for the affected families of the flood ravaged Uttarakhand and over INR 13 lakh collected which will be sent to Prime Minister’s Office/ chief minister of Uttarakhand soon. Also IATO has decided to adopt a village to be set up as a Model Village for tourism related activities and there by contributing to the financial position of the villagers. Even ambulances are being arranged to be linked with local hospitals for immediate medical service to the needy patients.
The members also took the opportunity to discuss about the difficulties being faced due to reduced baggage allowances which need to be raised to 20 kgs. Tourists find it difficult to leave behind 5 kg baggage as free baggage allowance is only 15 kgs.
