MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

BETWEEN

INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF TOUR OPERATORS

AND

FOUNDATION FOR AVIATION AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
 

Preamble

1. Recalling the fact that the Foundation for Aviation and Sustainable Tourism (FAST) is an internationally recognized organization which has done exceptional work in aviation and tourism sectors and have brought out important publications and research documents. It has endeavoured to assist in the formulation of aviation and tourism policies of the Government, on account of the wealth of experienced people who have worked at senior official positions in different Government and airlines not only in India but abroad also. The Foundation has acted as a think tank for aviation & tourism sectors.
    

2. Further recalling that the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is an apex organization responsible for the interest of tour operators in the country and is recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. IATO for the last 20 years has taken up the cause of tourism and has played a very important role in shaping the Tourism Policy of the country. IATO is of the firm opinion that Tourism can be a vital instrument for poverty eradication and economic development in the country.
    

3. Nothing that it is generally accepted, including by FAST & IATO, that both aviation and tourism sectors have grown with the opening up of the economy through a number of policy change but the growth has been haphazard. There is a back of infra-structure and, moreover, the growth itself has laid an adverse impact on the environment. The two organizations, in the larger national interest and with a view to having a more coordinated and sustainable growth of the two sectors, have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding amongst themselves. The members of IATO would bring to the notice of the Foundation the problems and hindrances which they face in achieving a rapid growth of aviation and tourism sectors. FAST, with its rich experience, will take up the issues on behalf of the industry and would come out with policy documents which would assist the Government and other organizations so that there could be a proper synergised growth between aviation, tourism and industry.

Therefore, a Memorandum of Understanding is, hereby, signed on 2nd April, 2005 between the Foundation For Aviation and Sustainable Tourism, registered under Societies Registration Act of 1860, having their office in the Union Territory of Delhi (and currently located in the Indian Airlines Complex, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi – 110 003)

AND

The Indian Association of Tour Operators, registered under Societies Registration Act of 1860, having their office in the Union Territory of Delhi having their registered office at 404, Padma Tower-II, 22, Rajendra Place, New Delhi.

Further, it is stated that the above mentioned organizations have agreed as follows:-

1. To promote the dissemination and advancement of knowledge in the management of aviation and sustainable tourism;
    
2. To propogate knowledge and exchange of information and ideas through appropriate channels;
    
3. To undertake, organize and facilitate studies, conferences, seminars, lectures and research in matters relating to sustainable tourism on policy management and human resource development. These activities shall be in harmony with the socio-cultural, economic and environment friendly norms;
    
4. To assist in development of a resource center and data bank for matters relating to aviation and sustainable tourism;
    
5. To bring to the notice of the other organizations issues which need to be taken up with State Governments and Central Government in connection with the promotion of international aviation and sustainable tourism

Moreover, it is agreed that IATO will assist FAST on the following issues:-

1. To undertake, organize and facilitate studies in infra-structure funds for growth in aviation and sustainable tourism.
    
2. To maximize the availability of technology and managerial resources in the field of aviation and sustainable tourism.
    
3. Will endeavor, to the maximum extent possible, to keep its members fully apprised of the objectives and activities of FAST in order to ensure at all times, close cooperation between the two.