In a significant move aimed at invigorating the tourism sector in India assisted by the industry collaboration, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has officially announced the approval of constituting the long-awaited National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC).
According to an official order dated June 21, 2023, released by the Ministry of Tourism, this decision is approved by the Union Minister for Tourism, G Kishan Reddy and aims to gather diverse expertise and formulate strategic policies to enhance the tourism landscape of the country.
The newly formed National Tourism Advisory Council will be chaired by the Minister of Tourism. Assisting the Chairman will be the Vice-Chairman, the newly appointed Secretary of Tourism, V Vidyavathi, who will play a crucial role in steering the council’s initiatives.
The National Tourism Advisory Council is mandated to act as a Think Tank and provide expert advice to the government on various policy matters related to tourism. It will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the tourism sector, aligning it with the changing needs and aspirations of travelers while ensuring sustainable and responsible practices, the order stated.
The council constitutes important ministries and their representatives, individual experts in the field of travel and tourism management and Ex-officio members from the industry associations, as per the order.
These ministries, directly or indirectly, encompass key sectors vital to the growth and development of tourism. The members include the Secretary or the representatives (not below Joint secretary level) from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Culture, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ayush, Health and Family Welfare, Commerce and Industry, MSME, Financial Services, DG (ASI), Environment, Forest & Climate Change, DoNER, Textiles, and Minority Affairs, among others.
Additionally, the Chairman of the Railway Board, Principal Adviser (Tourism) from NITI Aayog, and Additional Member (Tourism & Catering) from the Railway Board will also be part of the council.
The Ex-Officio Members include the Chairman of ITDC; President of IATO, Rajiv Mehra; Chairman of FAITH, Nakul Anand; President of TAAI, Jyoti Mayal; President of ATOAI, Ajeet Bajaj; Chairman, FIA; President, FH&RA and General Secretary, ABTO, among others.
The council has strengthened its expertise by including accomplished individuals from the travel and tourism management field. These experts, chosen based on their invaluable contributions and experience, will serve as members in their individual capacity, the order states.
Held behind closed doors, these meetings facilitated discussions on topics such as data sharing, investments, knowledge transfer, and the skilling of hospitality professionals. The parties agreed to strengthen collaboration based on shared values and objectives. The MoU with UNWTO also aimed at facilitating collaboration on tourism market intelligence, rural development in tourism, investment, education, and innovation in the sector.
The notable names in the group include Nakul Anand, Executive Director of ITC Limited; Ashwani Lohani, retired IRSME and former Chairman of the Railway Board and CMD of Air India; G. G. Saxena, Rtd IAS and former Secretary of A&N Islands; Yoganand Gajjala from the Manjeera Group of Hotels; Alapati Krishna Mohan, Managing Director of Southern Travels Pvt. Ltd.; Paduri Ravikanth Reddy, Director of MiraiNXT Innoworks; R K Anil, Rural Tourism Expert and Former CEO of NDMC CSR Foundation; Anuraag Saxena, Co-Founder of India Pride Project and Oken Tayeng from Aborcountry Travels & Expeditions (North East). Other known names include Deep Kalra, Founder of MakeMyTrip; Zubin Jal Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global; Latika Nath, Brand Ambassador, Ecologist, and Photographer from the Responsible Tourism Society of India; Deep Banka, COO of Zostel Hostel Chains; and Garima Pande, Co-Founder of Wandering Jane (Solo Trips for Women).
With a tenure of three years from its constitution, the council will convene meetings as often as necessary to address pertinent issues and foster collaborative decision-making. The flexibility to co-opt additional official members when required also ensures the council’s ability to tap into specialised knowledge and resources.
Regarding the entitlements of experts serving as individual members, the Ministry of Tourism has clarified that no honorarium will be payable to them. However, on specific requests, the Ministry may arrange accommodations in ITDC hotels, subject to availability and provide vehicles as per the entitled amount.
The council’s collective wisdom and expertise, if and when visualised in the right direction, are expected to catalyse transformative measures, bolstering tourism infrastructure, fostering innovation, and creating a favourable ecosystem for both domestic and international tourists.
As the council begins its journey ahead of the successful conclusion of G20 Tourism Track meetings, all eyes are on the profound impact it will have on shaping the future of tourism in India, propelling the country to new heights as a sought-after destination on the global stage.
