The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has expressed support for the Government of India and Narendra Modi following his appeal to citizens to conserve fuel, avoid non-essential foreign travel and prioritise domestic tourism amid the ongoing global crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia.
In a statement issued after the Prime Minister’s address at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, OTOAI said it stands firmly with the national interest and recognises the need for collective responsibility during a period of global economic uncertainty, rising fuel prices and supply chain disruptions.
The Prime Minister had urged citizens to reduce unnecessary overseas travel, destination weddings abroad and foreign vacations in order to conserve foreign exchange reserves and support the domestic economy. He also encouraged greater use of public transport, work-from-home arrangements and responsible spending practices.
Also read: PM Modi urges citizens to cut fuel use, avoid foreign travel amid West Asia crisis
Responding to the appeal, OTOAI stated that while it understands the seriousness of the situation and the intent behind the government’s call, the outbound travel industry remains concerned about the livelihoods of thousands of travel professionals, tour operators, agents and allied service providers dependent on international tourism.
In its statement, the association said, “For us, the country comes first, always. As responsible citizens and as representatives of the travel fraternity, we fully support every effort aimed at keeping India safe, strong and economically resilient.”
At the same time, OTOAI highlighted the vulnerability of the tourism sector during global crises, stating, “Tourism is often the first casualty in any crisis. It is among the first sectors to be hit and, unfortunately, among the last to recover.”
The association further noted that the Prime Minister’s appeal to defer non-essential foreign travel and encourage domestic tourism “will naturally have a significant impact on the outbound travel community.”
OTOAI said it has initiated the process of seeking an audience with the Prime Minister’s Office to place before the government the concerns and operational realities faced by the outbound travel trade.
“We hope to arrive at a balanced and reasonable way forward that protects national interest while also safeguarding the people and businesses connected with our industry,” the association stated.
OTOAI also urged members of the tourism fraternity to remain united and continue operating responsibly during the ongoing global uncertainty.
“In the meantime, we urge everyone to stay united, undertake only necessary travel, travel responsibly, and continue to uphold the spirit of service, resilience and patriotism,” the statement added.
