The attempt to set up a confederation of travel and tourism industry has developed snags even before taking off, as associations are still apprehensive about how its functioning. All major associations like TAAI, IATO, HAI, FHRAI, ITTA, FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM attended the meeting on May 29, but failed to reach a consensus on the formation of this confederation.

Maharaj IS Wahi	Shyam Suri
Lalit Suri	Sarabjit Singh

Representatives of the above travel associations are scheduled to meet again on June 25. Secretary tourism Rathi V Jha and ADG tourism, Rashmi Verma were also present.

FHRAI and TAAI were of the opinion that it was too early to form a confederation. The former suggested a coordination committee instead, with representatives from TAAI, IATO, FHRAI and HAI, headed by a convener, which will discuss intra-industry problems, take up programmes for creating awareness about the importance of tourism and give representations to the government. TAAI on the other hand wants an advisory board, with representatives from all recognised associations, to prepare representations, carry out programmes, allot funding and allocate sources of funding.

The main apprehension among associations is that they may be sidelined after the confederation is formed and the government might not listen to their sectional agenda. “If there’s a problem with an individual component of the industry, say tour operators’ issue of dual tariff, then that cause might get lost because the government will ask us to route it through the confederation and the confederation won’t take it up because it’s not a common cause as hotels and airlines won’t agree,” says Maharaj I S Wahi, president IATO. According to him, the first step should be to arrive at a common minimum programme.

The other bone of contention is the creation of a separate infrastructure, which would entail, according to some, lakh of rupees. Says Shyam Suri, secretary general, FHRAI, “Since all associations have their own secretarial set up, the coordination committee can entrust the secretarial job to one or two organisations each time, instead of having a separate set up.” Sarabjit Singh, president, ITTA seems to be the only one who believes that this confederation will benefit the industry. “The tourist transporters for the last ten years have not received anything and tour operators also have not been highly benefited. A collective voice will definitely strengthen the cause of the industry” said he.

Despite the difference of opinions, Lalit Suri, chairman Bharat Hotels and president HAI, who along with PRS Oberoi has initiated the move, is confident about forming the confederation. “We are talking about the modalities of functioning which can be worked out. The main objective of the confederation will be to plan, promote, support, protect and increase the growth and efficiency of export-oriented activities of hotels, airlines, travel agencies, tour operators and other segments of the industry. Plus conduct publicity campaign to improve the image. We will take up general issues affecting the industry as a whole and the country’s tourism interest like taxation, ATF price, financing at reduced interest. So, the associations don’t lose their individual identity at all.”

Bringing the fragmented travel industry together on a common platform is easier said than done. In the past, IATO’s attempts to bring the industry on a common platform failed. What is imminent is that ego problems are coming into play. Since the initiative has been taken by HAI, other associations are apprehensive that if a HAI member chairs the executive committee, presidents of other associations will be forced to stay out of the arc light. Till the associations rise above sectional interests and think of collective gains, this confederation will remain far from reality.