India To Host WTTC Global Conference In April 2005

Jyoti Koul - New Delhi

After hosting the PATA annual conference successfully in 2002, India is now set to host another major conference in 2005. India will host the global tourism summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in April 2005 in Delhi. Although there is no formal confirmation available at the moment, the `proposal' from the Indian tourism industry at the fourth Global Tourism Summit which recently concluded in Qatar, has been accepted verbally. WTTC president, Jean-Claude Baumgarten, is visiting India soon to discuss the details.

"A meeting with the president of the organisation is scheduled to be held in India soon, which would help define the future agenda. But the headquarters have already zeroed in on the month of April next year when India shall be organising the conference" revealed Lalit Suri, chairman, WTTC India. The 5th global summit which India will host will be a three-day event.

When asked about the significance of the event and what difference it will make to Indian tourism, Suri said, "India has been pitching for the conference for the last two years and the nod from the head quarters is a reason to cheer. WTTC is a forum for global business leaders comprising presidents, chairmen and CEOs of 100 of the world's foremost companies. It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the travel and tourism industry worldwide. The conference will give a lot of boost to the Indian tourism industry as this is the biggest tourism event. The presence of these top travel and tourism professionals attending the conference in India will help us in promoting the country as a tourist destination.