Manchanda: Knowledge & collaboration key to surviving torrid time
The abrupt halt of global travel during Covid-19 pandemic has brought tourism and hospitality businesses to a standstill. As the industry continues to grapple with the new world order where physical distancing has become the new ‘normal’, digitalization has taken unprecedented centerstage.
Keeping up with the new realities of meetings and networking of the present times, Indian Association of Travel and Tourism Experts (IATTE) – a new one-of-its-kind and innovative online platform for travel trade partners was formed recently. Aiming to grow as India’s largest forum for travel professionals, IATTE is bringing various verticals of tourism and hospitality industry under one roof in an online environment.
“Suppliers across the spectrum of travel trade can be a part of IATTE. We want to create an ecosystem where our members can network and get advantage of negotiated rates. We are already imparting knowledge to our members that can help them to grow in the post pandemic world through various webinars,” shared Naveen Manchanda, President, IATTE.
“The idea came from the fact that tourism professionals felt helpless due to the current situation and felt the need of a body which brings different tourism verticals together. They also understood the need for responsible and sustainable tourism,” added Manchanda.
The IATTE President also met India’s Tourism Minister, Prahlad Singh Patel on August 14 in Jaipur. Manchanda apprised the minister about the various challenges being faced by the industry in the wake of the pandemic. The meeting that has happened soon after the formation of the forum reflects the proactive approach of IATTE and its vision to engage with the power corridors to highlight the aspirations and challenges of the industry in both organized and unorganized markets.
IATTE through its virtual meets has already provided insight to its members on how to balance strategy and operational excellence post-Covid-19 pandemic. Other topics that the forum has focused on included how businesses can heal at present scenario and focus on efficiency, collaborations and creativity.
“This unique forum will provide Indian and global perspectives on how organizations are reacting to current unforeseen circumstances and overcoming challenges by converting them into opportunities. Members will have a comprehensive understanding to take back and implement in their operations, processes and businesses as a whole which should stand them in a better place than before,” added Manchanda.
The membership of IATTE has already crossed 500 since its official launch last month. Presently its Managing Committee consists of 20 professionals of the industry with plans to expand it further to 40 members by the end of this year.
IATTE membership is complimentary for the financial year 2020-2021. Industry veteran, Subhash Verma has been appointed as the National Advisor of the forum. Veena Robinson has been appointed as the General Secretary while Gaurav Khandelwal and Jatin G. Mehta have taken up the role of Joint Secretaries of the forum. The key members of the Managing Committee also include Aanal Dhabi as Treasurer and Nischay Manchanda as Head-Youth Wing.