The mood of our country is definitely sombre, as crucial factors such as socio-economic disturbances invoke a feeling of uncertainty. From industrialists to economists, from the rational to the pessimists there is a sense of staidness in the air. From safety and security concerns (unfortunately increasingly so for women) to that of financial concerns, there is a lot that needs to be put on track, which should be both concrete as well as in conscience. These times are tough for any business or sector, with tourism being no exception. In fact tourism is probably one of the only sectors that is highly sensitive to both manmade and natural upheavals. Apart from tackling external pressures, the sector also faces its own internal challenges across the segment, be it inbound, outbound or domestic.
Taxation issues, transportation bottlenecks both on land and air, trained and skilled manpower needs to being in sync with technology, the tourism industry needs to have the 4 T’s strongly in place to tide over troubled times. The 29th IATO convention is making an attempt to address few of these issues and build awareness, namely the role and the relevance of social media to business, the growing link between technology and tourism and also the age old issues of taxation and infrastructure bottlenecks. Since tourism is nothing but a people’s industry, the role of trained and skilled manpower is probably one of the most sensitive aspects that need to be addressed. The theme Innovation and Partnerships does hold meaning as one’s survival rests on them. Keeping in view the dynamic and volatile socio-economic changes in the global space, survival depends heavily on innovation and the mantra seems rather clear – innovate or stagnate. Those who get it right and now will be the ones who will survive in the future.
Education, product upgradation and in short being cutting edge tourism consultants is the need of the hour. Innovative and sustainable niche tourism ideas and products need to be made a reality. Plantation Tours is one such example, which has been covered in this issue. Of course, lastly the best of plans may fail without real-time team work. Partnerships will help the sector grow stronger and faster and it is time the fashionable word PPP is put into active and authentic working across the country, especially in the tourism space. Protect, Preserve and Prosper needs to be implemented wholeheartedly.
Reema Lokesh
Editor
[email protected]
