FHRAI, TAAI, IATO Form Co-ordination Committee

Anindita Chattopadhyay - New Delhi

In a significant initiative taken by the Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association of India (FHRAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) have come on a common platform and formed a co-ordination committee to address mutual grievances and industry issues jointly. The move is seen as fallout of the open session organised on February 7 by IATO, where tour operators gave vent to their grievances related to bouncing off - a common practice by hotels when demand outstrips supply - in the presence of Jagmohan, minister of tourism and culture, Lalit Suri, president, HAI and Shyam Suri, FHRAI, secretary general.

"The committee comprising of representatives from all three associations aims at better understanding among industry partners. It will redress grievances and take up roadblocks related to infrastructure, development, finances etc. Each of the three associations will host it on a rotational basis with president of the host association presiding over the session, while FHRAI will be the cementing force taking the agenda forward," informed Shyam Suri.

A six-point agreement has been reached at the end of the meeting presided over by FHRAI president Vivek Nair and attended by 15 representatives from each association including all major hotel chains, tour operators and travel agents. While the associations have agreed to work out the details of grievance redressal procedures, the UFTAA code of conduct will be circulated among members to get their feedback before drafting one along the same lines. The hotels have been asked to avoid overbooking and raising rates, while tour operators and agents should adhere to timely cancellation and pay retention charges as per agreement. Any development or financial issues such as connectivity, air seat capacity, rationalisation of taxes etc will be taken up jointly.