After the initial chaos, following the surprise announcement made by PM Narendra Modi to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination notes, things seem to have settled down a bit. The industry sentiment is rather low key but clearly with a hint of positivity. The general feedback is that the ‘Band Baja Baraat’ of the wedding space is surely seeing a visible calm. While ostentatious weddings are under control, the next in line is the high-end FIT business, which has witnessed cancellations and postponements of travel. It is the corporate travel segment which looks reasonably stable though. The common word across the industry is that it supports the move and is positive that this initiative will only benefit the business in the future. The wait and watch game will continue for the next couple of months, but experts and travel consultants feel this is yet another industry challenge and will also pass.
On the inbound tourism front, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has strongly appealed to the PMO to address issues concerning monument payments and more. Members of IATO say that they support the demonetisation move, and also the Digital India initiative, however they feel the government also needs to support them. They want the ASI and ministry of culture to
accept DD/ NEFT/ credit cards for bulk purchase of monument entrance tickets for foreign tourists. Their request is to install credit card swipe machines at all ASI monuments. They are also hoping for permission to allow tourist vehicles to pay inter state tolls online or by credit card.
On a positive note, as 2016 comes to an end, the New Year should bring in better times for tourism across sectors and businesses – airlines, hospitality, car rentals, cruises, rails and more. Enjoy our cover story this issue and keep exploring new routes and paths in the tourism space.
Reema Lokesh
Editor