When the going gets tough the tough gets going’, this phrase fits quite well to those who belong to the travel and tourism fraternity especially the tour operators and travel agents. If one has to decipher the conversations that were doing the rounds all through 2015 then there clearly seems to be two distinct thinkers who are part of the industry – the pessimists and the optimists. The general consensus for the former is that business has lost its sheen and is not as lucrative as it was in the past. The industry looks gloomy, without much to offer, with diminishing margins, the OTA power and more. The optimists feel the other way. They see opportunity in adversity and are ready to move ahead full throttle. They are working towards being the game changers and not being bogged down by the OTA giants.
The time has come for the travel agent to revisit this very definition. He or she needs to clearly stir away from being an agent to a consultant and a travel expert, whose knowledge on the product is razor sharp and his detailed and in-depth research is unquestionable. The trump card for success is also to respect the profession, the business and work as a united force in action rather than in words. 2016 will surely bring into light the game changers in the trade and those who truly believe in the business will survive any form of competition, both internal and external.
Our first issue of 2016 brings to you some interesting stories from across India and the world. Check out the column titled ‘Express Watch’, which highlights what’s going wrong with the upkeep of our heritage monuments. Read through the section titled ‘Insights’, for some serious views shared by an industry professional. Our cover story takes you into the ASEAN world. The India-Myanmar-Thailand highway, set to be ready in 2016, will put into action a new tourism circuit to be explored. Here’s wishing all our readers and associates, a progressive and positive 2016.
Reema Lokesh
Editor