OTOAI Backs Government’s National Interest Call, Seeks Support Measures for Travel Industry Amid Global Uncertainty
The Voice of Chandigarh | Travel Trade Reporter
The Outbound Tour Operators’ Association of India (OTOAI) has expressed unwavering support for the Government of India and the vision articulated by Narendra Modi during the current phase of global uncertainty, while simultaneously voicing serious concerns over the impact on the outbound tourism sector and the livelihoods linked to it.
In an official statement issued, OTOAI stated that national interest and the safety of the country must always remain paramount. The association affirmed that, as responsible citizens and representatives of India’s travel fraternity, its members fully support every initiative aimed at ensuring India remains safe, economically resilient, and strong in the face of global challenges.
However, the association also pointed out that tourism is traditionally among the first sectors to suffer during crises and often one of the last to recover. Referring to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s recent appeal urging citizens to defer non-essential foreign travel and promote domestic tourism in view of concerns related to fuel prices, foreign exchange reserves, and global disruptions, OTOAI acknowledged that the move, though taken in the larger national interest, is expected to significantly impact the outbound travel industry.
The association noted that while the complete circumstances behind the national appeal may not yet be fully known to the industry, it recognises the gravity of the situation and the importance of collective responsibility during challenging times. At the same time, OTOAI highlighted the pressing concerns of thousands of travel professionals, tour operators, travel agents, and allied service providers whose livelihoods are directly dependent on outbound tourism.
In response to the emerging challenges, OTOAI announced that it has initiated the process of seeking an audience with the Prime Minister’s Office to present before the government the concerns, operational realities, and economic implications being faced by the travel trade. The association expressed hope that a balanced and practical approach can be worked out — one that safeguards national priorities while also protecting businesses and employment connected with the tourism sector.
Reiterating its commitment towards the travel fraternity, OTOAI assured all stakeholders that it would continue to represent their concerns in a responsible, constructive, and solution-oriented manner.
The association also appealed to citizens and industry stakeholders to remain united, undertake only essential travel, act responsibly, and continue to uphold the values of resilience, service, and patriotism during these challenging times.
