It is always inspiring to write the first edit of a new year. It is also that time of the year when people tend to step out rather bullish, with renewed plans and expectations. Introspection leads to change, dropping the unwanted and the sluggish and replacing it with goals and objectives that look possible and doable with a rejuvenated thought process. The travel industry is no exception to this. The industry like many others is going through its set of challenges and questions amidst the industry stake holders across the spectrum. Associations have done their reality check and have spelt out their broad plans for 2017 and what they intend to achieve over the coming months. Our cover story has capsuled their agenda and intent in this issue. The private sector has huge expectations from the government and there have been serious talks within the fraternity that the time has come for the tourism industry to get some serious support from the government. From taxation issues to request for industry status, the wishlist is in place. Apart from this, travel agents and tour operators have issues within their own fraternity for which they seek solutions.
The primary concern that surfaces in regular intervals within the trade is that just like the airline industry, the hospitality sector too is giving the offline travel agents and operators a miss on few occasions. The general sentiment within the industry has been sombre especially due to this development. However, the question here is why is the industry facing this? The answer boils down to a general observation that the Indian travel fraternity only speaks about unity in trade but seldom practises it in reality. The need of the hour is to walk and talk as a united force and stand by each other to get the agenda through.
The trade seems highly fragmented and are only placing their complaints on platforms that may not be in a position to provide solutions. The question about having a checklist and getting some strong rules in place before floating a travel company comes later. Travel agents in general need to respect their work and probably not be afraid to ask for a valid consultation fee for the work and research they put in. 2017, could be the year when companies within this trade may reshape their preamble and realign their business and policy to enjoy justified profitabilty. Change is always tough, but surely works well for those who believe in it.
Reema Lokesh
Editor