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The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is the National apex body of the tourism industry. It has over 1600 members covering all segments of Tourism Industry. Established in 1982, IATO today has international acceptance, and linkages. Read more

IATO Members

IATO is the association of expert inbound tour-operators whose memebers are recognized / approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Memebership of IATO symbolises trust...

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IATO in Action - Updates

• Update on IATO Activities (Monday1st April to Monday, 15th April 2024)
• Update on IATO Activities 16th March to 31st March 2024.
• Update on IATO Activities (Friday 1st March to Friday, 15th March 2024)
• Update on IATO Activities (Friday 16th February to Thursday, 29th February 2024)
• Update on IATO Activities (.Thursday 1st February to Thursday, 15th February 2024)
• Update on IATO Activities Tuesday16th January to Wednesday, 31st January 2024
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday, 1st January to Monday, 15th January 2024)
• Update on IATO Activities (16th to 31st December 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities. 01st – 15 December 2023
• Update on IATO Activities (Thursday 16th November to Thursday, 30th November 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (1st November to 15th November 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday 16th October to Tuesday, 31st October 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (Saturday 16th September to Sunday 15th October 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities Friday 1st September to Friday 15th September 2023.
• Update on IATO Activities (Wednesday 16th August to Thursday, 31st August 2023)
• Updates on IATO Activities from 01st -- 15th August 2023
• Update on IATO Activities Sunday 16th July to Monday 31st July 2023.
• Update on IATO Activities (Saturday 1st July to Saturday 15th July 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (Friday 16th June to Friday 30th June 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (Thursday 1st June to Thursday 15th June 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (Tuesday 16th May to Wednesday 31st May 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday 1st May to Monday 15th May 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities Saturday 16th April to Saturday 30th April 2023
• Update on IATO Activities Saturday 1st April to Saturday 15th April 2023
• Update on IATO Activities (Thursday 16th March to Friday 31st March 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (Wednesday 16th February to Monday 28th February 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (Wednesday 1st February to Wednesday 15th February 2023).
• Update on IATO Activities.
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday 16th January to Tuesday 31st January 2023)
• Update on IATO Activities (Sunday 1st January to Sunday 15th January 2023)
• Brisbane Quick Travel Guide
• IATO Speaks - December 2022 edition
• Update on IATO Activities 16th - 30th November 2022
• Update on IATO Activities (Tuesday 1st November to Tuesday 15th November 2022).
• Update on IATO Activities (Sunday 16th October to Monday 31st October 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Saturday 1st October to Saturday 15th October 2022).
• Update on IATO Activities (Friday 16th September to Friday 30th September 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Thursday 1st September to Thursday 15th September 2022
• Update on IATO Activities (Tuesday 16th August to Wednesday 31st August 2022).
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday 1st August to Monday 15th August 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Saturday 16th July to Saturday 30th July 2022)
• Utsav Portal Developed by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
• Update on IATO Activities (16th -30th June 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Sunday 1st May to Sunday 15th May 2022
• Update on IATO Activities (Friday 1st April to Friday 15th April 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Wednesday 16th March to Thursday 31st March 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Tuesday 1st March to Tuesday 15th March 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Wednesday 16th February to Monday 28th February 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Tuesday 1st February to Tuesday 15th February 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Sunday 16th January to Monday, 31st January 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Saturday 1st January to Saturday, 15th January 2022)
• Update on IATO Activities (Saturday,16th October to Sunday, 31st October 2021)
• Update on IATO Activities (Friday,1st October to Friday, 15th October 2021)
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday 16th August to Tuesday 31st August 2021)
• The Rise of Nomadic Families: Experiencing Thailand
• Update on IATO Activities (Sunday, 1st August to Sunday, 15th August 2021)
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday, 28th June to Thursday, 15th July 2021)
• Announcements made by the Honble Finance Minister for Revival of Tourism on 28th June 2021
• update on IATO Activities ( Monday 25th January to Sunday, 31st January 2021 )
• Update on IATO Activities Monday, 18th January to Sunday, 24th January 2021. ( Attached above )
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday, 11th January to Sunday, 17th January 2021)
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday, 28th December 2020 to Sunday, 3rd January 2021)
• Update on IATO Activities (Monday 21st December to Sunday, 27th December 2020)
• Update’s on IATO Activities Monday, 14th December to Sunday, 20th December 2020
• IATO Interactive Meeting on Friday, the 18th December 2020 at 4 pm on Zoom
• IATO Interactive Meeting/Presentation on The Connaught - an IHCL SeleQtions on Saturday, the 28th November 2020 at 4 pm on Zoom
• IATO Interactive Meeting/Presentation on The Connaught - an IHCL SeleQtions on Saturday, the 28th November 2020 at 4 pm on Zoom
• ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2019 - Use of ICC intellectual property and match tickets in travel and tour promotions by travel service providers
• Incredible India Road Shows in 1) USA & Canada and 2) Africa
• List of fairs/marts, where India Tourism New York would be participating in 2019-20
• Regarding Immigration Check posts for foreign tourists entering through Airport, Land Check post, Rail Check post and River port
• Regarding Chardham Yatra Uttarakhand – 2019
• Participation in forthcoming fairs / exhibitions in ASEAN region in 2019
• IATO Training Programme on Digital Marketing – Workshop on DOUBLE YOUR LEADS
• Participation of India Tourism, Singapore in the fairs / exhibitions in Australasia Region in the year 2019-20.
• IATO Training Programme on Digital Marketing – Workshop on DOUBLE YOUR LEADS 
• IATO Training programme on 24th - 25th April, 2019
• Training programme in April 2019
• Exemption of Tourist Vehicles from election duty for the members of IATO and ITTA
• IATO-MOT Outreach Program
• Amendments in rules for e-Tourist and e- Business Visa  -  E-Visa Amendment to ch-2 e-Visa of the Visa Manual
• Important and Urgent Questionnaire For The Exporters/ member of Sepc
• Inclusion of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for e-Visa Scheme with Immediate effect   
• Revised Record Note of Discussions of IATO Active Members Meeting held on 13th March 2019 at JW Marriott, Aerocity, New Delhi
• IATO Interactive Luncheon Meeting, on Wednesday, the 3rd April 2019 at 1130 hours at The Lalit Hotel, New Delhi 
• Record Note of Discussions of IATO Active Members Meeting held on 13th March 2019 at JW Marriott, Aerocity, New Delhi
• Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – 2019, 28th April - 1st May, 2019, Dubai
• Incredible India Road Shows in Australia and New Zealand from 15-18 April, 2019
• Amendment in Chapter 2-"e-Visa" of the Visa Manual
• Update on important issues and action taken by IATO
• ITM 2019 - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
• Regarding Special Extra Baggage rates for the IATO members by IndiGo
• REMINDER: IATO Interactive Luncheon Meeting, on Wednesday, the 6th February 2019 at 1130 hours at the Eros Hotel, Nehru Place New Delhi
• Celebration of IATO Annual Day on Sunday, the 17th February 2019
• Regarding availability of space in India Pavilion for participation in Travel Fairs/Marts scheduled from December 2018 to March 2019
• IATO Interactive Luncheon Meeting, on Wednesday, the 6th February 2019 at 1130 hours at the Eros Hotel, Nehru Place New Delhi
• Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) - 2019
• Implementation of e-Visa Scheme at Bhubaneswar Airport.
• Participating in the 41st International Tourism Fair of Belgrade
• Invitation for Odisha Travel Bazaar 22-24 March 2019 at Bhubaneswar
• Implementation of e-Visa Scheme at Port Blair Airport.
• Referral Transport Tariff w.e.f. 01 January 2019 
• Regarding Transport Tariff
• Special Conference Delegate Fee for IATO members for PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart, Rishikesh 
• Invitation for Workshop on Andhra Pradesh: Building a Global Tourism Destination on Friday, the 11th January 2019 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Participation in TRAVEX Exhibition, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
• Update on Transport Issue 
• Museums/exhibits to be included in the tourist itineraries
• Booking of Booths for ITB Berlin, 6-10 March, 2019
• Ministry of Tourism participation in the New York Times Travel Show (NYTTS)
• Special Extra Baggage rates for the IATO members by IndiGo
• Regarding Transport Issue
• Adventure & Travel Show India, 5 – 6 January 2019 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
• Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition - MITT 2019
• Procedure to be followed by foreigners who are already in India on any type of visa for taking medical treatment in India
• Invitation for presentation on City Kumbh-2019 at Prayagraj.
• Use of IATO, ITTA (Transport Operator) or MoT approved Transport Operators 
• Incredible India Road Shows in Middle East from 6 – 8 January 2019
• Fam tour for IATO members to Kurukshetra on 18th December 2018 during International Gita Mahotsav
• IATO’s suggestions on Hassle Free Visa Regime and Visa Fee
• Notification regarding additional entry fee to existing entry fee for entry to Main Mausoleum of Taj Mahal (Part of Taj Mahal) w.e.f 10 December 2018
• Important issues pending with the Ministry
• Preventing Sexual Harassment at the Workplace
• Regarding Registration as Seller for PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2019   
• Participation in forthcoming travel fairs/ exhibitions in Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia 
• IATO Interactive Luncheon Meeting on Wednesday, the 5th December 2018 at 1130 hours at Siddharth Hotel, New Delhi
• PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2019
• Food & Wine Expo Gold Coast 2019 - India Tourism Singapore
• Jammu & Kashmir Government order regarding Chadder Trek 
• Availability of space in India Pavilion for participation in Travel Fairs/Marts
• Calling off of Strike called by Drivers’ Union
• Regarding Strike Call given by one of the Tourist Drivers Union
• Notice of closure of Taj Mahal for General Public from 0900 to 1130 hours on 7th November 2018
• Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) on 10-12 Jan 2019 in Lumbani, Nepal
• Amendment to Chapter 20 of Visa Manual pertaining to Bangladesh Nationals
• Inclusion of Madurai in the list of entry points for E-Visa holders
• Reminder - Invitation for B2B deliberations and Presentation on Luxurious Tents during Kumbh Mela - 2019
• Request for Wide publicity to National Police Memorial set up in Delhi.
• Odisha Ecotourism Workshop on Wednesday, 24th October 2018 
• Invitation for B2B deliberations and Presentation on Luxurious Tents during Kumbh Mela - 2019
• Invitation for Workshop on Odisha Ecotourism on Wednesday, the 24th October 2018 at New Delhi
• World Travel Mart (WTM) 5th – 7th November 2018
• Regarding Restricted Area Permit(RAP) regime in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Annual General Meeting, Monday, the 15th October, 2018 at 1130 hours at The Park Hotel, New Delhi
• Thank you for making your 34th IATO Convention a Grand Success at Novotel Hotel, Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) from 6th  -9th September, 2018.
• Important Information – 34th  IATO Annual Convention, 6 - 9 September 2018,  Vishakhapatnam
• Tentative Programme - 34th IATO Annual Convention, 6 - 9 September 2018, Vishakhapatnam
• Request from Chief Minister of Kerala to donate to help victims of floods in Kerala
• Reminder-Registration Details – 34th IATO Annual Convention, 6th – 9th  September 2018, Vishakhapatnam
• Incredible India Road Shows in Russia & Nordic Countries
• Invitation for Road Shows for promotion of North and North East in Chandigarh on 26th July, 2018 
• Important Guidelines/Advisory for movement of foreign tourists in the tribal area of Odisha
• Regarding Amendments in E-Visas
• Letter from Secretary (Tourism) , Govt. of India
• Distribution of brochures etc.  on Yoga and Ayurveda Tourism on 4 May 2018
• IATO Interactive Luncheon Meeting, on Wednesday, the 9th May 2018 at 1130 hours at The Leela Ambience, Gurgaon  
• Results of IATO Elections held on Saturday, 28th April, 2018 
• IATO Elections, 28th April, 2018 - Election Procedure 

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For latest government circulars and announcements please check the following links. For other information related to your membership and IATO notification, check your mailbox.

Alliance with an IATO member: Grow your business

With their nation-wide networks and supportive infrastructure, IATO members can help to organise tours anywhere in India. Moreover, since IATO itself closely monitors the level of service offered by these members, the quality is always kept high. Uniformity in price, timeliness in delivery and optimality in service - are the hallmarks of ALL IATO members. So, being an overseas tour operator, if you associate with an IATO member, you are assured of value-for-money services for your customers and thereby, retain the trust they bestow upon you. Alliance with an IATO member means getting better exposure and increasing business!

Check our member database and interact with a member now!

IATO helps developing better tourism infrastructure

IATO closely interacts with other associations, organizations associated with central government of India and Indian state governments, International organizations, organizations associated with other countries, business conglomerates and service providers from other sectors. For smoother operation of business for our members, we try developing broader relationship that in turn, help people at different levels in the entire tours and travel industry. Some of the MOUs are:

Why use an IATO member

IATO is the Apex National Body of Tour Operators in India. IATO Members observe the highest standards of professional ethics and offer personalized services to their clients. At the time of membership, the IATO Executive Committee closely examines each application, based on very elaborate and clear guidelines to ensure only reputed, experienced and honourable establishments are inducted into the members fold. All IATO Active members and most Allied and other members are recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, which has its own very stringent guidelines to recognise a particular Tour Operator. In case of any complaints against any of our members, a special subcommittee created by the IATO Executive Committee efficiently tries to resolve the issues that arise. Click here for more details -->

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OTOAI hosts ‘Extraordinary General Meeting’- Protraction of the elections for a year

7th AGM of OTOAI and Destination Canada Mou Signed on 28th August 2019

Welcome To OTOAI

Mission & vision.

• Code of Ethics !
• What we stand for

Code Of Ethics !

OTOAI, since inception has followed a stringent set of ethics and standards in its conduct, which is something it has proudly maintained in all these years. Here’s a detailed look at its Standards of Professional Conduct

What We Stand For

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OTOAI announces its 5th Convention in Nairobi, Kenya

Outbound Tour Operators Association of India
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New Team takes over of OTOAI for the term 2019-21 as EC members get elected Unopposed

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World Tourism Alliance (WTA) Xianghu Dialogue 2019

OTOAI was the only association to be invited fr...

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• The Travel Agents Federation of India – TAFI

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) was established in 1986. It is a dynamic organisation that guides the travel industry in India. It is a professional body of travel agents coordinating different segments of the travel trade and is a non-political, non-commercial and not-for-profit body.

TAFI’s membership today comprises of 1400 active, associate, allied and affiliate (travel service intermediaries – non-IATA) members from all over India. Over 70% of the ticketing business is handled by TAFI members. TAFI is a proud member of World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) and an affiliate member of the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA). TAFI has signed an agreement with the Federation of Hoteliers and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) for the benefit of its members. TAFI is committed to creating a more evolved and stable environment in the travel trade and becoming the cornerstone of the industry.

TAFI represents the travel trade before official bodies of government, airlines and other appropriate forums. It ensures healthy growth of the travel industry by promoting mutual cooperation among TAFI members and by introducing schemes that would benefit TAFI members as well as provide mutually beneficial alternatives to the airline industry.

TAFI augments the development of the travel industry in India by encouraging improvement in the standard of service, inculcating professionalism and spreading awareness and updated information on travel and regulations. It protects the interests of those engaged in the industry by highlighting the need to maintain high ethical standards and ensuring compliance of rules, regulations and guidelines set by the consulates, government authorities and airlines.

TAFI safeguards the interests of the travel agents/travel advisors vis-a-vis service providers such as airlines, consulates, government authorities and the travelling public from exploitation by unreliable travel agents/travel advisors.

TAFI also takes forward its agenda in educating and equipping the members to meet the challenges of tomorrow through regular meetings, seminars and conventions. To augment the development of the travel trade through consistent improvement in quality and technology and education and inculcate professionalism to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Website: tafionline.com

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what we stand for

To help India become the best and the largest adventure travel destination in the world. To be inclusive and grow membership to 1000 responsible members. To help India become a 12-month tourism destination through adventure travel. To help members operate in all 7 continents by 2027!

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is the national representative body of Indian Adventure Tour Operators and was founded in 1994 by a close group of Travel Trade Adventurers, who envisioned ATOAI to be a strong support group that led to both group and individual profits by establishing adventure as one of the main tourism attractions to India. ATOAI works closely with the industry and the Governments both at the Central and State levels to advocate policies, study trends, and create a safe environment for guests to participate in adventures across 31 verticals.

• Co-ordinate: within the industry and with Governments.
• Collect: Data to strengthen our projections.
• Create:  Opportunities for members –Provide: A platform to network.
• Delivery: Through workshops, road shows, conventions.
• Formulate:  Policies, Minimum Standard Guidelines and vision statements for destinations.
• Identify and remove:  Hurdles that are holding back our industry.

Exploration

Transparency, responsible tourism, conservation, inclusiveness, sustainable, core values, part of the industry.

Read more about our Membership Plans

1 Firm name /Registered Address/ Mobile no/ Email-I.D/ Landline no. 2 Company Registration Certificate 3 Pan card / Proprietor / Company 4 GST Number 5 I.D proof 6 Recognition from State Tourism Certificate 7 Company establishment must be one year old 8 Company Profile 9 Company website details 10 The documents must be self-attested (Stamp& Signature)

11 Social media handles Facebook: Yes / No YouTube: Yes / No Instagram: Yes / No Twitter: Yes / No LinkedIn: Yes / No

1) Firm name /Registered Address/ Mobile no/ Email-I. D/ Landline no. 2) Company Registration Certificate 3) Pan card / Proprietor / Company 4) GST Number 5) I.D proof 6) Recognition from the Ministry of Tourism Centre or State Government as an Adventure Tour Operator or Tour Operator or hold a valid license issued by the State Govt for conducting adventure tourism activities 7) Recommendation from two Active member 8) Company Profile 9) Company establishment must be three years old 10) Business turnover from Adventure Tourism is at least Rs. 10 lacs per financial year and a certified document from a chartered account is mandatory 11) List of Equipment 12) List of adventure-qualified employees 13) The documents must be self-attested (Stamp & Signature)

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Tourism India Alliance launched, to connect 5 lakh travel agents across 300 cities in India

The Tourism India Alliance (TIA) is a group initiative of seasoned industry professionals who have come together with the objective of bringing a substantial portion of Indian travel agents from the unorganised sector into the alliance. The association was recently launched at a gathering of industry stalwarts and stakeholders at the Park Hotel in Delhi.

The TIA vision, commitment, and promise is to connect approximately three to five lakh travel agents in 300 smaller towns of India under one umbrella. TIA strives to provide education and share knowledge that empowers and builds a network that supports and passionately advocates the growth of the travel Industry.

Reinforcing the ethos behind the formation of TIA, Jagdeep Bhagat, one of the founder members stated, “Associations must be run not merely in the interests of their founders and office bearers, but equally in those of their members, of the stakeholders of their industry, of the industry itself and finally of the country as a whole.”

In its collaborative endeavour, TIA invites industry stakeholders to be a part of something truly special so that every corner of the country is represented. TIA is a unique association, where knowledge is a driving force, where connections flourish, and where every member’s voice is heard.

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• Leaders Speak
• Brand Solutions
• Associations
• Conventions & their outcomes: How travel trade associations are stepping up?

• Manas Dwivedi ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Oct 13, 2023 at 06:53 PM IST

PATA Travel Mart 2023: A hit or a miss?

For all the anticipation that had been building up for months for the Ministry of Tourism hosted 46th PATA Travel Mart 2023, held in New Delhi, the event failed to live up to the hype. Disappointment hung heavy as many participants grappled with mismanagement issues and higher delegate entry fee. Could this be an opportunity lost for the industry that was looking to establish key connections?

• By Manas Dwivedi ,
• Published On Oct 13, 2023 at 06:49 PM IST

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67th Travel Agent Association of India (TAAI) Convention to give big boost to Sri Lanka tourism

The 67th convention and exhibition of the travel agent association of india (taai) which began on july 6, 2023, in sri lanka’s capital, colombo was a landmark event championing the future of tourism..

The highly anticipated convention assembled an array of prominent industry leaders, forward-thinking visionaries, and esteemed delegates to discuss, debate, and shape the future of tourism.

This landmark event, aimed at transcending borders in travel and personal growth, underscores the transformative potential of tourism in bringing prosperity, peace, and economic development to nations. The TAAI Convention is more than an industry event; it’s a platform for change, a call for evolution, and a celebration of the power of travel to transform lives.

The prestigious 3-day TAAI Convention 2023 was hosted in Colombo at the invitation of the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the primary sponsor, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO). The convention has traditionally proven to be a significant boost for host destinations, with tourist numbers often quadrupling in the wake of the event, as TAAI members effectively acted as tourism ambassadors.

Operating under the theme ‘Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives’, the convention aimed to strengthen bilateral tourism and position Sri Lanka as a favourite destination among Indian outbound travellers. It promised to be a platform for promoting regional tourism while also bolstering Sri Lanka’s reputation on the international stage.

The convention drew over 500 delegates, including experts from the tourism and hospitality industries, tour operators, and key stakeholders from both countries. Jyoti Mayal, the President of TAAI, expressed her gratitude to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) for their valuable support in organizing the event.

Sri Lankan President H. E. Ranil Wickremesinghe: Pledges to Revive Sri Lankan Tourism

The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, H. E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, inaugurated the eagerly anticipated 67th Travel Congress of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) – the largest and oldest travel-trade Association of India.

The convention’s opening ceremony took place at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). H. E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism and Lands, honoured the event as a guest.

Addressing the delegates, the President underscored the need for the country to plan for receiving at least 5 million tourists in the near future. He further highlighted Sri Lanka’s significant potential for tourism, with the ability to attract a considerable number of tourists from India and other neighbouring countries.

H. E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka said, “Of the three regions in Asia, of our size, East Asia, Southeast Asia has far more tourists than us. South Asia together may not have as many tourists as one or two of the East Asian or Southeast Asian countries or Western Europe. Why is it? India is good with domestic tourism. Are you going to rely solely on domestic tourism? When you can earn so much money and foreign exchange, more than what you target for if you attract international travellers. In the next 10 years, per capita income will increase, and people will travel around, and look for eco-friendly tourism. Why don’t we have it?”

The President went on to say, “So why don’t we make our whole BIMSTEC area one borderless tourist area? Is that what you want? Transcending borders? Not just Sri Lankans travelling to India or Indians travelling to Bangladesh. No. It’s one tourist area for anyone who wants to come from outside. We have so much to offer. I have seen some of your assets. I have driven from Srinagar to Ladakh, to Leh. Staying in Kargil was not the best of accommodations, but the potential you have for development. I have been to many other areas of India as well.”

President Wickremesinghe then proposed the idea to boost tourism cooperation among the seven member nations of BIMSTEC. Comprising India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan, the BIMSTEC region was emphasized by President Wickremesinghe for its immense potential. He also highlighted the theme of the TAAI convention, “Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives,” aligning it seamlessly with his proposal for a borderless tourism area.

President Wickremesinghe’s proposal to establish a “borderless” tourism area within the BIMSTEC region reflected Sri Lanka’s commitment to intensify regional cooperation and stimulate tourism growth.

In the face of Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe addressed the ongoing recovery efforts and debt restructuring process. He underscored the importance of tourism as a non-debt-creating source of revenue, encouraging its maximum potential to be leveraged for achieving a positive balance of trade.

The President also mentioned various initiatives planned by the Sri Lankan government to expedite the country’s recovery from the economic crisis. These initiatives included the development of seven golf courses and additional resorts. He indicated that certain laws would be revised to foster growth in the tourism sector and attract more visitors.

Gopal Bagley, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, attended the inaugural ceremony and addressed the delegates. In his speech, he said, “The theme “Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives,” is precisely the spirit of the India-Sri Lanka relationship that has brought these two countries together as civilizational twins. We are all aware of the geographical proximity of India and Sri Lanka, but over the course of millennia, this proximity has been layered with history, culture, civilization, religions, languages, music, films, cricket, democracy, diversity, plurality, respect, peace, and harmony.”

Gopal Bagley went on to say, “When you visit Sri Lanka, it also reflects the values that we cherish and share, as demonstrated by Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. I express my gratitude to the Minister of Tourism and the invaluable guidance and leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Over the past few months, we have not only resumed the Chennai-Jaffna flights, which used to operate four times a week, but these flights will now operate every day starting from July 16th. We are also working on resuming the ferry services, which have been inactive for decades, and the idea of an international cruise from India to Sri Lanka is no longer just a concept. “

He shared that both governments were trying to establish ferry services between Karaikal in the Union Territory of Puducherry and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Jaffna, which would enhance connectivity and promote people-to-people exchanges.

Gopal Bagley added, “The use of Indian currency in Sri Lanka is a boost to tourism, as Indian tourists can now conveniently use their currency for payments. Additionally, efforts are underway to enable digital payments between the two countries. This will not only facilitate transcending borders and transforming lives but also build upon the legacies that form our common heritage.”

Gopal Baglay highlighted the significant role of tourism as a vehicle promoting people-to-people ties. The High Commissioner focussed on the influence of religion in bolstering tourism, providing examples of the Buddhist and Ramayana Circuits spanning India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Nishad Wijetunga, President of SLAITO, expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting the association’s long-standing relationship with TAAI. He noted that hosting the convention reflected Sri Lanka’s resilience and recovery following the challenges faced in the past.

Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of SLTPB, shared that the island nation, for the first time in 15 years, was planning to implement a comprehensive 360-degree marketing strategy targeting key international source markets, with a particular emphasis on India and China. As part of these efforts, approximately 1,000 social media influencers from around the world would be hosted to showcase the diverse tourism offerings in Sri Lanka.

“The forthcoming Asia Cup cricket tournament is an excellent opportunity to attract Indian tourists, especially during the highly anticipated India-Pakistan matches,” Gajabahu had said. He praised the contributions of Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya, who serves as a tourism ambassador, for promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism initiatives in India.

On the convention’s second day, the Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, attended a dinner reception in Colombo as the chief guest. Abeywardena expressed his gratitude towards India for its support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis the previous year.

As discussions and collaborations unfolded at the TAAI convention, the potential for enhanced tourism cooperation and economic development in the region remained a key focus.

At Press Conference: President Jyoti Mayal optimistic about future Indo-Sri Lankan Tourism

The event, from July 6 to July 9, was initiated with a press conference that saw the participation of both Indian and international media. With approximately 50 members of the Indian media attending, the event was expected to significantly amplify Sri Lanka’s presence in the Indian market via extensive media coverage and networking with visiting travel agents.

At the press conference during the official opening of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Convention, TAAI President Jyoti Mayal voiced her confidence about the future of tourism between India and Sri Lanka. She stated, “I am confident that Sri Lanka would welcome many more tourists in the days to follow,” underlining the potential for strengthened tourism ties between the two nations.

Mayal underscored the importance of cooperation among stakeholders at various levels to adopt a holistic approach, integrating policies, regulations, incentives, standards, technologies, and best practices. This approach, she pointed out, had the potential to contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in the region.

“With Sri Lanka playing host to this grand event after the turmoil it went through last year following the economic crisis, shows the island nation is ready to welcome visitors again,” Mayal told PTI. “And, we are delighted to hold the convention in Sri Lanka with which India shares a deep historical and cultural connect,” she said. 

“The focus of the convention this year is completely futuristic. The pandemic was tragic and truly devastating. But, after the recovery made in the sector on the growing confidence of travellers, who seek to put the pandemic memories behind, the time is now right for us to move forward,” Mayal said to PTI.

Jyoti Mayal, the President of TAAI, emphasized the similarities between India and Sri Lanka, noting their shared food, language, culture, and dresses. “Tourism builds bridges between communities and countries. We at TAAI support Sri Lanka in its efforts to revive tourism, above and beyond this convention,” Mayal declared.

SLTPB Chairman, Chalaka Gajabahu, thanked TAAI for selecting Sri Lanka as the host country for the convention. He emphasized the growing partnership between both sides, which he said is vital to reviving their tourism sector.

He informed that Sri Lanka Tourism has announced a transformative strategy that will see an investment of Rs. 1.4 billion over the next 12 months, beginning at the end of July. This initiative marks a fresh approach to destination marketing that includes two robust domestic campaigns.

“We are setting our sights high, aiming to attract between 1.55 to 2 million tourists this year. Given our strategic planning and commitment, we are confident in reaching this ambitious target,” Gajabahu affirmed.

Gajabahu also announced that the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is poised to roll out its rejuvenation campaign by the end of July. The two-month-long initiative will be followed by a thematic campaign set to launch in late September or early October. Both campaigns aim to shed light on Sri Lanka’s unique charm and captivating experiences to a global audience.

“As we gear up to launch our rejuvenation campaign and more promotional activities, the key role of India and strategic partnerships between the two countries cannot be overstated. Such collaboration will be vital in spearheading a successful recovery for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry,” said Gajabahu.

Key markets for these campaigns include India, China, the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Australia, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, the US, the Middle East, Japan and Korea. However, continuous promotions will also be conducted simultaneously in other markets.

Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) President, Nishad Wijetunga, expressed his pleasure in partnering with the upcoming event. He stated, “This serves as an ideal opportunity for our industry to interact with the Indian travel trade. It is also a great platform for Sri Lanka to showcase our offerings and provide a firsthand experience of our current situation, demonstrating our strong recovery and resilience.”

“Our convention will serve as a conduit for fostering stronger bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. Such interaction is vital in harnessing the growth of inbound and outbound travel from India and channelling it towards destinations that offer new, exciting experiences,” said TAAI Vice-President Jay Bhatia to PTI.

Sri Lanka experienced a significant surge in international tourist arrivals in 2022, with a 270.2% increase compared to 2021, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). As the nation seeks to revitalize its economy, comprehensive efforts are being undertaken in the tourism sector.

Regarded as a significant event in the Indian Travel and Tourism industry, the TAAI Conventions (Indian Travel Congress) presented delegates with unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, promoting, and trading. TAAI, renowned for its extensive reach in aviation, MICE, adventure tourism, sports tourism, education, and more, offered unparalleled leadership to the burgeoning industry.

Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives

The theme for this year’s convention was ‘Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives.’ A TAAI official highlighted that hosting the event in Sri Lanka provided a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the travel industry and to explore the beautiful country.

Top executives from leading luxury hotel groups, airlines, and travel firms were among those scheduled to participate in the convention, TAAI officials stated. Notably, Arvind Singh, India’s former Tourism Secretary, was a featured speaker at the event.

Convention business sessions covered a range of compelling topics, including ‘India Tourism Vision 2047: A Transformed Landscape of Experiences and Connections’, ‘The Boundless Potential of the Skies’, ‘Differentiating Travel – Perspectives from Industry Experts’, and ‘Transcending Borders – Strengthening International Relations for a Transformed World’, among others.

Jyoti Mayal underscored the critical role of transcending borders in travel and personal growth. She drew attention to tourism’s transformative potential in driving prosperity, peace, and economic development across nations. “As the industry evolves, our minds must evolve too. We need to focus on growth and embrace the future to transform lives,” Mayal declared.

Spanning two days, the convention explored various topics related to transcending borders. Industry experts such as Arvind Singh, Madhavan Menon, Nipun Agarwal, and K.B. Kachru, among others, delivered speeches on diverse subjects. The convention also saw the participation of significant industry experts including Ashish Gupta, Pieter Elbers, Amitabh Khosla, Praveen Iyer, and many more.

Mayal brought attention to the immense potential of the Indian market as a globally sought-after destination for outbound travel. The Convention in Colombo offered a unique opportunity to discover emerging trends, exchange insights, and collaborate towards a future where travel truly transforms lives. “As delegates gather in Colombo, let us seize this occasion to embrace these trends and work together toward a more interconnected and transformative travel industry,” Mayal urged.

Aligning with Sri Lankan Airlines’ regional strategy, the primary theme of the 2023 TAAI conference aimed to strengthen the regional tourism industry. Dimuthu Thennakone, Head of International Sales and Distribution at Sri Lankan Airlines, expressed the airline’s ambition to bolster relations with India, specifically focusing on leisure and MICE tourists. He emphasized the airlines’ future plan to expand flight operations to several other Indian cities and their enthusiasm to partner with the TAAI Association to further boost tourism activities between the two nations.

On the convention’s concluding day, a special address was delivered by Harin Fernando, the Minister of Tourism and Lands, Sri Lanka, as confirmed by the TAAI.

Mayal, pointed out that the Indian market is undoubtedly poised to become one of the most sought-after markets globally due to its enormous potential for outbound travel.

“As we all prepared to gather in Colombo, we saw this as an opportunity to explore these trends, share our insights, and work collectively to shape a future where travel transcends borders and truly transforms lives,” Mayal stated.

A spectacular three-day Indian Travel Congress

The historic BMICH venue witnessed the Opening Ceremony with vibrant cultural performances by a troupe of artists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Additionally, a video presentation by the SLTPB outlined the Sri Lankan government’s vision to revitalize the tourism sector and restore it to full operation.

Officials confirmed that the 67th Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) convention was one of the major large-scale events in the tourism sector in the island nation, following the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic and political crisis of 2022.

As the convention progressed, industry professionals and experts engaged in fruitful discussions, fostering stronger partnerships and paving the way for a prosperous tourism industry in both nations.

Additionally, the two-day business session and Buyer-Seller Meet unfolded across the Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Shangri-La Colombo hotels. Jay Bhatia, Vice President of TAAI, echoed the importance of the convention in cementing stronger bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka. With about 200 Sri Lankan tourism stakeholders participating in the B2B sessions, the convention provided a perfect platform for networking and establishing rewarding business relations.

The spectacular three-day Indian Travel Congress culminated with a Gala dinner held at the Heritance Negombo with a breathtaking display of fireworks, and a cultural feast of music and dance performances featuring renowned Bollywood numbers performed in the Sinhala language.

In her closing address, Mayal asked the TAAI delegates to commit to encouraging tourism in Sri Lanka, both individually and institutionally. She praised the convention, themed ‘Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives,’ as a “resounding success.”

Overall, the 67th TAAI Convention demonstrated a commitment to fostering tourism and strengthening the bond between India and Sri Lanka.

Post-convention tours, organized by SLAITO member companies, offered delegates an immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s picturesque destinations, including Bentota, Galle, and Kandy. TAAI teamed up with four airlines for the event: SriLankan Airlines, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara.

Sri Lanka: A Beacon for North and South Indian Tourists With Its Spiritual Trails

Sri Lanka, a country revered for its rich spiritual heritage, has been attracting North Indian tourists with its well-known Ramayana Trail. Last year, Sri Lanka Tourism introduced the “Murugan Trail,” tailored for South Indians. This trail includes approximately ten sites of worship, spanning from the northern reaches of the island to its southern tip. Highlighting locations like the Jaffna Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and the Kataragama or Kadirgamam Murugan Temple, it caters to the reverence for Lord Shiva, a primary deity among the South Indian community.

India and Sri Lanka have been bound together by a legacy exceeding 2,500 years, encompassing shared aspects of history, culture, religion, spirituality, and language.

67th TAAI Conference in Colombo: Key Highlights

The 67th Convention of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) wrapped up successfully on July 9 in Colombo, marking an impressive gathering of industry professionals, government officials, and various stakeholders from both India and Sri Lanka.

Key Highlights :

• Leading Regional Travel Event: With over 500 participants and the presence of 50 media personnel from India, the Convention reinforced its status as a leading travel event in the region, attracting industry professionals in pursuit of networking, knowledge-sharing, and partnership-building opportunities.
• India as Sri Lanka’s Primary Tourism Market: Last year saw India emerge as the leading source market for tourism to Sri Lanka, thereby underlining the critical nature of cooperation and collaboration between the two nations in the travel industry. The TAAI Convention played an instrumental role in promoting this relationship.
• A platform for Mutual Business Opportunities: The Convention served as an avenue for stakeholders of the Indian and Sri Lankan travel industries to explore promising business prospects, fostering robust partnerships and cooperation to bolster bilateral ties.
• Insightful Sessions: A variety of thought-provoking sessions on relevant topics, such as India’s 2047 tourism vision, the rise of experiential travel, the importance of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and evolving digital opportunities in the travel sector, graced the convention’s agenda.
• Knowledge-Sharing and Collaboration: Industry leaders and travel professionals from both countries had the chance to exchange expertise and insights, further solidifying networking opportunities and fostering mutual growth.
• Strengthening Bilateral Tourism Relations: The TAAI Convention aimed to deepen cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the realm of tourism. By enhancing bilateral relations and promoting mutual growth, it endeavoured to strengthen the ties between the two nations.

The 67th TAAI Conference in Colombo effectively forged lasting connections, opened avenues for future collaborations, and presented comprehensive insights into the tourism industry’s current trends and challenges.

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• PATA India Chapter Leadership
• PATA Foundation

The PATA India Chapter was established in 1974 with a handful of members. It has grown to include 245 members and is one of the most dynamic Chapters in the Asia Pacific region today. With major support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India which is the main and largest PATA India member organization, the Chapter includes State Tourism Boards, Carriers, Hotels, Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Service Providers and other travel-related companies.

The Chapter is proactive and responsive to the needs and requirements of the local industry and global interests. The PATA India Chapter enhances interactivity within the business and trade eco-system through its events and activities that are planned and executed keeping in mind domestic and global business trends. The Chapter has excellent relations and works towards a collaborative common vision with other trade bodies such as TAAI, IATO, ADTOI, ATOAI, HAI, FHRAI, TAFI, WTTC and Domestic Tour Operators.

PATA publications, information and intelligence are made available to members, and developmental and networking events are planned through the year. Chapter membership is distinct from PATA membership and provides industry professionals the advantage of direct involvement in promotional and learning activities.

An Executive Committee (EC) spearheads strategy and advocacy. The EC is made up of members from within the industry. The office of the Chairman is held by the Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of India. Other office bearers are elected from within the Committee, for a term of two years.

PATA India operations are handled by the Executive Director of the PATA India Chapter.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association, was founded in 1951 with its headquarters in Hawaii. The headquarters then shifted to San Fransisco and finally to Bangkok. PATA is the recognized authority on Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism. An international not-for-profit organization, it advocates responsible tourism and acts as a catalyst to enhance growth, value and quality. PATA membership worldwide comprises 1000 members and includes Destinations, Carriers, Hotel Groups, Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Service Providers, Ground Handlers and Retail Travel Agents, based in the Pacific Asia Region. Other International members include publications, travel writers and organizations with interests in travel to and within the Region.

PATA reserves membership in the Government/Destination categories to national, regional and municipal tourism organizations which are located within 110 west longitude to 75 east longitude, (PATA’s geographic boundaries [can be refered to as PATA’s region] as defined in Article III of the Association’s Charter) including the Maldives.

More information on PATA is at http://www.pata.org

PATA works with its ‘Chapters’ across Asia-Pacific and other destinations. There are 41 Chapters who enhance the PATA mission and objective within their own country and also work together with the Headquarters. Collaboration between Chapters is also undertaken to promote travel and tourism across the region in a sustainable manner.

PATA India Chapter is committed to encouraging and assisting in the development of the tourism and travel industry and all members must conduct themselves and their business activities in a manner that promotes the ideal of integrity in travel and tourism and agree to act in accordance with the following principles of the PATA India Chapter Code of Ethics. Members will:

• Promote and encourage the highest level of ethics within the tourism and travel industry while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
• Promote the aims of PATA India Chapter.
• Strive for excellence in all aspects of the tourism and travel industry by performing consistently at or above acceptable industry standards.
• Protect the public against fraud and unfair practices, and promote all practices which bring credit and respect to the industry.
• Provide truthful and accurate information and ensure that any entry on the website is regularly reviewed and updated or changed to ensure its continued accuracy.
• Strive to cooperate with all members in order to provide the highest quality service.
• Not engage in any unlawful activity in any country or conduct my business in any way that is unlawful or in breach of any regulations or Code(s) of Conduct that govern their business.

PATA India Chapter’s members will not engage in conduct that is likely to bring the Association or any of its affiliates into disrepute; i.e. any activity found to involve fraud, deception, mis-representation, misapplication of property or breach of trust or other fiduciary obligation. Each PATA India Chapter member shall adhere to the principles of the standard of conduct.

PATA India Chapter is managed by an Executive Committee of 20 members and administered by team of 4 Office Bearers and Executive Director.

Mission: To contribute to the sustainable and responsible development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific through the protection of the environment,the conservation of heritage and support for education.

For more information visit : http://www.patafoundation.org/

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Youth Hostelling as a movement has not taken long to establish in the world.During the course of the last almost eighty years, it has spread from country to country and spanned all the five continents.

The movement is based on two basic urges in the youth - love for the unknown, which includes desire for adventure and the desire to make friends.

Since the movement started in Germany in the second decade of last century, there was very little opportunity for young people of limited means to travel at will and see and enjoy the beautiful places in their own country and the world around.The virtues of travel have been acknowledged in all ages and in all climes.Its hazards and uncertainties and costs used to be too great to allow the common youth to get as much benefit from it as was desired.

he development of the means of communication and the establishment of youth hostels in more beautiful and attractive spots in many countries has made the opportunity of travel at a nominal cost far more easily available for youth.

YHAI is an associate member of the  Hostelling International, U.K.,  earlier known as the International Youth Hostel Federation(IYHF), a premier international NGO promoting the Youth Hostelling movement, with a widespread network in 90 countries worldwide with more than 4000 unique hostels.

We believe in the saying -  Wandering, one gathers Honey  -it drives our thought process and actions, as we tend to spread the sense of learning and gathering knowledge by gaining real experiences with the world, its people, and the nature.

Since we also serve the broad concept of spreading Peace and International Understanding amongst various cultures worldwide, and, generating environment awareness and care for the nature, we organize and conduct several activities as- Trekking, Mountaineering, Nature Study, Family Camping, Sailing, to name a few.

Besides participating in our activities, members are also benefitted by attractive discounts they get through the membership card, not only this, they are entitled to avail the facilities of the International Youth Hostels, spread in 90 countries around the globe and can minimize their travel budget.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in India. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Measles April 26, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Cholera is  presumed to be present  in India. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to India.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to India. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to India.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for India.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in India. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in India, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to India. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

• Arrive within 6 days of leaving an area with risk for YF virus transmission, or
• Have been in such an area in transit (exception: passengers and members of flight crews who, while in transit through an airport in an area with risk for YF virus transmission, remained in the airport during their entire stay and the health officer agrees to such an exemption), or
• Arrive on a ship that started from or touched at any port in an area with risk for YF virus transmission ≤30 days before its arrival in India, unless such a ship has been disinsected in accordance with the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), or
• Arrive on an aircraft that has been in an area with risk for YF virus transmission and has not been disinsected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules, 1954, or as recommended by WHO.
• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
• Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad only), Venezuela

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in India, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in India. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in India—such as dengue, Zika, filariasis, and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in India include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis and leptospirosis, infections that can be spread in fresh water, are found in India. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call India’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in India. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of India may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in India, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in India, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for India .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in India.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in India, dial 100 or, from a mobile phone, 112. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about India before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on India from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for India for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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India and Russia set to discuss visa-free tourism agreement in June

India and russia are poised to begin a landmark dialogue that could lead to visa-free tourist exchanges between the two countries, aiming to significantly enhance tourism flows. the first round of discussions is scheduled for june..

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• Agreement expected to be finalised by year-end
• Part of Russia's strategy to enhance international tourism
• Visa-free programme to boost tourism, cultural exchange and economic ties

India and Russia are poised to begin a landmark dialogue that could lead to visa-free tourist exchanges between the two countries, aiming to significantly enhance tourism flows. The first round of discussions is scheduled for June, during which the countries will explore the feasibility of a bilateral agreement that could be finalised by the end of the year, Sputnik reported.

Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at Russia's Ministry of Economic Development, shared details about the upcoming talks at the Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2024. The event, held in Kazan, Russia, served as a platform for Kondratyev to highlight the advances in negotiations on group visa-free trips.

"We are nearing the final stages of internal coordination with the Indian delegation and will soon discuss a draft agreement," Kondratyev explained.

Further expressing optimism about the timeline, Kondratyev stated, "I think that in June we will hold the first consultations with them to discuss the draft agreement. We plan to sign by the end of the year."

This initiative is part of Russia's broader strategy to enhance international tourism and cultural exchange. Earlier in February, the ministry had announced its intention to implement visa-free exchanges with India by the end of 2024, underscoring the strategic importance of India in Russia's tourism and economic plans.

Russia's visa-free tourism program isn't exclusive to India. The country successfully launched similar initiatives with China and Iran starting August 1, 2023. These agreements have facilitated easier group travel, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between Russia and these nations.

Actors who play Mickey Mouse and friends vote to unionize at Disneyland

• Disneyland actors voted to unionize with Actors' Equity Association on Saturday.
• The Disneyland union, Magic United, includes around 1,700 actors who work at the California park.

Your favorite costumed characters at Disneyland now have a union behind them.

Magic United, comprised of around 1,700 actors at the Anaheim, California, theme park, voted to unionize with the Actors' Equity Association in a National Labor Relations Board vote Saturday evening.

Per the Actors' Equity Association, 953 actors voted yes to join the union, while 258 voted no.

"Welcome to Actors' Equity Association, Magic United!!!!!!!" the actor's union posted on X Saturday evening.

Actors' Equity Association President Kate Shindle also released a statement Saturday evening congratulating the Disneyland workers.

"They say that Disneyland is 'the place where dreams come true,' and for the Disney Cast Members who have worked to organize a union, their dream came true today," Shindle said.

Per the statement, if no one challenges the election, the NLRB could certify the voting results in a week.

The cast members announced their intent to unionize in February, but Disney Resort Entertainment did not voluntarily recognize their union, per The Hollywood Reporter.

"While voting is complete, there are still steps in the process prior to the election being certified, so it is premature for the company to comment on the results," Disneyland Spokesperson Jessica Good told Business Insider in a statement. "Whatever the outcome, we respect that our cast members had the opportunity to have their voices heard."

Disneyland actors told labor advocacy nonprofit More Perfect Union that they pushed to unionize because of low pay and safety concerns.

"The magic starts to fade away, and you're just left with not being able to pay rent, permanent injuries, and management who doesn't value or respect you," one actor said in a video published Thursday by More Perfect Union.