Hotel Inder Residency witnessed dawn of Business Sessions this morning after inaugrating 26th Annual Convention of IATO yesterday. For this year’s annual convention, the association has decided to organise 12 business sessions during the four-day convention.

The main objective of organizing these sessions is to educate its members on the changing Travel and Tourism industry trends. The first business session ‘In the New World Order’ took place in morning hours. Mr.Amitabh Kant, CEO, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) was the keynote speaker and Mr.Arjun Sharma, Managing Director, Le Passage to India was moderator. Other panel members included: Mr.Devesh Chaturvedi, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Mr.Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA); Mrs.Neelima Chopra – Executive Vice President- Sales & Marketing, Oberoi Group and Mr.Kamal Hingorani – Vice President – Marketing & Planning, SpiceJet.

Mr.Kanth precisely detailed about the emerging trends and issues  that can enhance Tourism sector in India and can give worldwide recognition in terms of integrated technological advancements and social media. Mr.Kanth in his revolutionary tone acknowledged importance of Social Media and Networking Sites like Facebook and Twitter in tourism sector. Tourism should be a dynamic institution with private sector intervention and structured policies. Moreover, he presented a technical insight by suggesting research and innovation cell to articulate new marketing and promotional measures, keeping in view sustainable development. He aims to incorporate young and vibrant team in tourism who can give new dimensions to the industry.

Session was followed by presentation of Rajasthan Tourism Board. Mrs. Usha Sharma, Principal cum Secretary Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, showcased rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan in presentation covering all the hot spots, rich bio diversity, palaces and havelis, pilgrimage centers and wildlife sanctuaries. Acquainting national and international delegates with possibilities in Rajasthan, she spoke about launching of various products and packages encircling Jaipur-Dausa region, Mewar- Wagad region, Hadoti region, Brij Mewat and Daang region, Shekhawati region and Desert region. She also laid emphasis on Rural Tourism, which is a high priority sector. With same vision last year, three destinations namely Sorsan, Khejarali and Kheechan were selected for developing as model. In Udaipur, Jhalo Ka Guda is finalized for developing as model village this year.

In innovative projects of Rajasthan Tourism she spoke of, Palace on wheels, Royal Rajasthan on wheels, started in 2009, PPP in tourism – Development of Nazool and other Government proposals. Mrs. Sharma also announced two upcoming events of next year International Kite Festival in Udaipur from January 2-5, 2011 in which 25 International Kite Flyers will participate and Hot air ballooning in Pushkar Fair.

She ended her presentation with details on Tourism Infrastructure development stating new development projects, up gradation of civil aviation Infrastructure in terms of helipads, airstrips and charters. In Udaipur, extension of runway to 9000 ft. is complete with International airport status.

After a short Tea break, afternoon Business session began on the theme “Bollywood and Tourism”. Bollywood Director  Mr. Sanjay Gadhvi was the keynote speaker and Mrs.Reema Sisodia was moderator for this session. Other panel members included: Mrs. Deepti Bhatnagar, actress & anchor; Mr.G S Chahal, Executive Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism; Mrs. Usha Sharma, Principal cum Secretary Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and Princess Padmaja Kumari, Joint Managing Director, HRH Group.

As Mrs.Reema rolled the question regarding Impact of Bollywood on Tourism, interesting answers began to come. Mr.Sanjay Gadhvi, director of successful movie DHOOM said, “We often see people getting fascinated by the Bollywood style very fast may it be fashion or locations.” He quoted example of Kashmir, which became hot spot, as soon as it was casted repeatedly in movies. It can be the case with any location in India, which provides so much variety in spots. However, when asked about why then he shoots abroad. He answered quickly “…because when I looked out for railway tracks in desert for my movie Dhoom, I did not find it in India so I went to Brazil, notion is about particular details and ease, sometimes outdoor shoots becomes a necessity.”

Adding to it, Mrs. Deepti said that Tourism board in India is not liberal. We have to go through long procedures while getting permissions from authority to shoot but in other countries like Italy, Govt. is supportive and understands effect of films on tourism. She shared her experience while shooting for YATRA, when she came across many problems to get acknowledgements even for a short documentary to be filmed in Jaipur.

Princess Padamaja admitted that relations between Bollywood and Tourism are of great importance for both industries. Branding tourism by Bollywood will give it new dimensions. As a representative of Hospitality sector, she welcomed Bollywood with open heart to facilitate in all possible ways while promoting the city.

Mrs. Usha accredited weight of films in marketing and promotion of scenic beauty and tourism as whole. She said, “we want Bollywood to come but in systematic ways.” She declared to set up an office in Rajasthan to get clearances on shooting places, to avoid delay and frustrations in long procedures.

Mr.G.S.Chahal, elaborated warm relations between Bollywood and Madhya Pradesh. He told about initiatives taken by M.P. Govt. like short listing 20 Prominent places for shooting, providing facility map for services, mapping of departments and single window co-ordination.

Mr.Sanjay and Ms. Deepti also suggested to have a member from the Film Industry on panel of Ministry for discussions regarding issues between Bollywood and Tourism.

This session was quite interactive and promising, keeping in view suggestions and the affirmations made both ways.