The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has proposed the Government several measures aimed at enhancing the quality of the Tourism Product, making it internationally competitive and initiating specific motion to promote Domestic Tourism.

Before concluding its XITH Annual Convention, Hotel Ashok, New Delhi, 9-12 April 1995, IATO renewed its demand for exporter status to Tour Operators and for declaring tourism as an industry in states which have not done so far.

The four-day convention which devoted exclusive business sessions to all current areas of concern to the industry, from consumer protection to wildlife tourism, has suggested specific measures for follow-up action not only by the government but by different segments of the industry and State Government as well.

In asking for exporter status, the convention pointed out that foreign exchange earning from Tourism were next only to those of gems and jewelry and garments. Also, it urged the Government to extend to Tour Operators the benefits of 80 HHD available to all other trades under which the first recipient gets entitlements of Foreign Exchange Earnings.

The Convention by another resolution called for a deep commitment of the part of all concerned to promote India as the ultimate destination. To provide focus and clarity to policies and planning in this direction the convention held it was imperative that there should be a National Tourism Development Board.

The Convention further called for a proper assessment of the strength and weakness of marketing the Indian Tourism Product in the competitive Intentional Environment. It stressed the agency for enlisting the services of professional PR Agencies for the purpose.

IATO asked its member to have a proper understanding of the implications of consumer protection laws in the originating markets and to provide to the consumer all what is promised and to promise only what can be provided. It wanted its member to be extremely vigilant in agreeing into agreements and negotiate with insurance companies for providing insurance cover.

Because of the close linkage between tourism and civil aviation, the convention asked for increased seat capacity and direct flights from more tourism markets and strengthen the domestic airport structure as well. it strongly recommends the construction of an alternative airport at Kulu Manali so that larger aircraft can land in the area with its large tourism potential.

For promoting domestic tourism, the convention suggested that tourist trains like Palace on Wheels and Royal Orient should have a separate tariff for Domestic Travellers. Airlines and hotels should abolish the Duel Tariff system, it said.

The convention requested the Ministry of Shipping to introduce an exclusive shipping service for tourist between mainland and Andaman and Nicobar. Berths in vessel should be sold through tour operators under a package deal.

The other suggestions included; introduction of a Direct Train between Agra and Varanasi; implementation by the state governments of composite fee for tourist vehicle; removal of all anomalies of inter state coach movement in regard to taxes and barriers and hoteliers should consult tour operators before firming tariff for foreign agents.

On the question of wildlife and adventure tourism which aroused considerable discussion the convention noted that wildlife tourism should be separated from the forest Department and more forest areas other than sanctuaries should be open to tourism. A formal wildlife tourism policy should be formulated in consultation with tour operators and tourism industry should be made partners in National Park Management and Wildlife Conversation and not advisors and spectators.