By BOTT Desk
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh — Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), took centre stage at the 39th annual Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Convention, where he was honored with the prestigious IATO Hall of Fame Award for his outstanding service and invaluable contributions to the travel and tourism industry. Following this recognition, Chhatwal unveiled a series of strategic measures designed to strengthen collaboration with the travel trade sector, emphasising IHCL’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth and ensuring a competitive edge for its partners.
“We had created a code for all of you to book directly,” Chhatwal announced, emphasising the importance of collective effort in driving success. Now, IHCL has decided to increase the commissions for travel agents from 10% to 12.5%, a notable 25% boost aimed at reinforcing its long-standing relationship with the tourism community. The commission is calculated on the BAR rates as given on the IHCL website.
Further enhancing the offering, Chhatwal revealed that room rates will now be available on a CP (Continental Plan) basis, inclusive of breakfast, instead of the previous EP (European Plan) on the IATO special negotiated rates, offering travellers a more complete experience. “We understand the changing needs of your clients,” he added, underlining IHCL’s intention to provide better value.
In a bid to align with online booking platforms, the company will now allow cancellations of FIT (Free Independent Traveler) bookings within 48 hours at business hotels and seven days at leisure hotels and palaces, offering agents increased flexibility. Additionally, Chhatwal announced a 25% discount on the best available rates for travel agents attending events globally, from London to Cape Town, at any IHCL property, both domestic and international.
“We are not stopping there,” he said, revealing IHCL’s commitment to spending INR 20 crores over the next three years to promote inbound tourism. The investment will fund cocktail events at international travel expos, starting in New York this October, to further India’s tourism appeal.
IHCL’s commitment to Madhya Pradesh was also in the spotlight. Chhatwal mentioned the INR 60 crore renovation of the Usha Kiran Palace in Gwalior and plans for 25+ new properties in the state, underscoring the company’s continued leadership in the safari segment.
“We are going great guns,” he concluded, affirming IHCL’s vision for the future.
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