He is, undoubtedly, one of the most ‘influential’ travel trade expert on social media, who engages frequently with his friends, colleagues and followers. Lockdown handed a tough time to everyone but, being the visionary that he is, Naveen Manchanda, Founder and CEO, Tour Passion, decided to turn the adversity to his advantage and floated one of the most unique online trade forums with a difference – IATTE (Indian Association of Travel and Tourism Experts). In his first ever interaction as President IATTE, here is all you would like to know on this latest addition to the tourism sector.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Congratulations on your new venture. How did the idea of IATTE came about?
Ever since last year, I have been feeling that there is not a single forum, which brings all tourism players together on a common platform. When Corona hit us, I then realised that this is the right time to unite the different verticals of the travel trade. To start with, I shared this idea with Ms. Veena Robinson who not only identified with the cause but also wanted to take it forward to a logical conclusion. I then took this idea to Mr. Subhash Verma, who being the veteran of the trade with more than 45 year of experiences, not only agreed but also gracefully accepted to be our national advisor. Following this, we started adding like-minded people to our cause and IATTE was formed.
What makes IATTE different from other trade associations?
We are different because we are not an association. We are an online Trade forum which brings different sections of the tourism industry together
What is the mission and vision of IATTE? Don’t you feel the industry is already full of many associations and yet remain unheard to those who matter?
The Vision of IATTE is to unite the Indian Tourism Industry. The mission of IATTE can be summarised in three words – Empower, Connect and Sustain. I agree that the industry has many associations, but we are not an association but a forum which seeks to fill in the gaps and bring the Travel Trade together by promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.
Please do share with us the broad organizational structure of your association?
We have a national core committee with seven members and different sub committees. The total number of committee Members as of now is 20.
What special do you – Mr. Manchanda – as President – bring to IATTE?
With my experience in the travel sector, I seek to plug the loopholes in this industry and to stand in front of the fraternity rather than at the back. I will ensure that we rise up to meet the challenges facing us and make way where there were none.
Is there any more information that you would like to share with us?
It took us 91 meetings with our committee members before IATTE could be launched. All meetings that happened were virtual – not even a single physical meeting took place. We decided to convert this adversity into an opportunity.
