IATO, ANVR Sign MoU To Boost Tourism

Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and the Algemeen Nederlands Verbond Van Reisondernemingen (The Netherlands Federation of Travel Agencies) or ANVR have agreed in principle to work together for promoting tourism between the two countries by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). They will sign a formal agreement subject to the approval of the boards of both organisations.

Explaining the details of the meeting, Subhash Goyal, president of IATO, said, "India, at present, gets a lot of tourists from countries such as UK, Europe and South East Asia. But the number of Dutch tourists is minimal. This MoU aims to enhance tourism between both countries. The Netherlands reportedly has a population of over a million of whom there is a substantial number of people who are Indian and are big fans of Bollywood who are yet to be tapped."

The tour operators of both countries, including their office bearers, have decided to pursue this on a long term basis instead of making it a one-time affair. Although an informal agreement has been signed, it is still to be ratified and necessary clearances have to be acquired from the respective managing committee meetings.

"We might have the official signing during our upcoming IATO convention in August where we have invited senior officials from ANVR or perhaps at their annual convention later this year," Goyal said.

Elucidating the various ways to promote tourism between both countries, Goyal said, "We are exploring possibilities of further mutual co-operation and exchange of information in marketing both destinations and strengthening human relations."