India Gets “Green Light”…travel safer than ever! By Govind Dhaya
January 26, 2009
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in cooperation with the Indian Consulate, hosted a major presentation entitled “Incredible India,” on January 7, in New York City. The featured speakers at the event consisted of Executive Director of PATA, Ms Simone Bassous, Consul General, Prabhu Dayat, Assistant Director of Tourism, Kalyan Sengupta, Executive Director of Air India Chitra Sarkar and various representatives of the Indian travel industry, who gave reports and offered recommendations on the current status of “travel and tourism” in India. The program began with the introduction of Consul General Dayal, who gave a most informative and insightful address on the state of Indian affairs, within the context of the Mumbai terrorist attacks. “India is no stranger to terrorism,” he said. But that, nonetheless, “there are some forces which seek to bring darkness upon the shinning light of [India’s tourism” and all around progress.
In addition, he gave three reasons for the attacks. First, he said the attacks were “organized [by enemies of India] to whittle down India, and to hurt it”. Second, they are also “the enemies of the Western world.” So they went after Americans. The third reason for the attacks was “to hurt Jewish people.” In relation to that, he said: “Jews have a long history in India. In fact, the way they came to India was as the emissaries of King Solomon.” So the grief goes that much deeper. He went on to say that, The British Prime Minister, “Gordon Brown, has stated that ‘75% of terrorist activity is coming Out of Pakistan:’ “and that the “single surviving terrorist has admitted he is from Pakistan.” But yet, “Pakistan says ‘where is the evidence?’” “They are the enemies of open societies,” he emphasized, adding that, “various governments give aide to Pakistan to fight the Taliban, but there is duplicity going on.”
In relation to significant developments in travel and tourism, it was stated that, “travel advisories have already been withdrawn or softened by Canada, Great Britain, the U.S., and a number of other major countries. In relation to a question about support from main stream “Indian media,” the consul general said “the media has appreciated a number of measures that the government has done,” so far. He said that “much of the investigations and developments have also been covered and promptly reported by the international media outlet,” But that at the beginning, “the reports were somewhat slow, as the situation was still evolving.” He went on further to say that, “New York survived their 9/li, and India will survive their 26/ it. India is no longer a land of snake charmers,” concluded. Assistant Director, Sengupta, stated that “traffic to India will definitely increase soon. Some major establishments, such as the Taj and Oberoi, hotels, “have reopened with full restaurant service and solid bookings.”
In another major effort to get things back to normal, the audience was informed that various outlets are offering a series of incentives, including 1000 rooms at a 20- to-30 percent discount rate. Other speakers of note were: Reps from Air India, King Fit her Air lines, and Ms. Bassous, who welcomed all the agents present and stated “The tragedy in Mumbai will not be forgotten for a long trifle…” and gave a brief perspective on PATA’a support of India tourism. In relation to PATA she stated: “PATA is a not-for-profit organization founded in t9t.We have chapters worldwide, and our New York chapter has close to 300 members, she stated. “PATA’s mission is to promote and facilitate travel to and from the Asia Pacific region, and incoming travel to the US, is gaining prominence among members.”
Andy Bhatia, of King Fisher Air Lines, commended all the carriers on their Continuous dedication to the travel industry. They now have 79 aircraft, and have established direct flights from London to Mumbai and Bangalore, and it will soon be flying direct to an impressive number of other major destinations. He gave hearty congratulations to the travel agents for outstanding work in the promotion of travel to India. With a hearty clearance from Consul General’s Dayal, himself, the green light given by the other presenters, and an up to the minute film contributed by the ASTA travel association, it was a night of renewed good feelings and enthusiasm about India for all the agents that attended. Among the people there, was Mr. Ramesh Kalicharran, of Kati Travel & Tours. Asked about how soon he planned to restart his Bharat Yatra tours, he declared: “They were never off. In fact, our next tour will be in March, during this year’s Holi celebrations. By all means, take my number (1 -(718) 291- 9292) and call me if you’re interested iii going,” he said, in a highly spirited voice. One of the most impressive facts of the evening was that “One million Americans traveled to India in 2007.”
Well done, America…
