The launch of E-Commerce by Incredible India, a platform on the website www.Incredible india.org hosted by Tourism Ministry of India has evoked a sharp criticm from Indian Tour Operators and Travel Associations. They are furious at the appointment of Eviivo, a UK based company which according to them has been given a huge benefit by MoT overlooking the interest of indigenous companies.
August 4, 2007 could be dubbed as historic day in Indian tour & travel history as for the first time all major tour & travel associations namely IATO, TAAI, TAFI, ADTOI, ATOAI and ITTA came on a joint platform to protest against the arbitrary decision of the government. The joint meet had the distinguished presence of Mr. Subhash Goyal – IATO, Mr. Rajji Rai, Mr.Praveen Chugh – TAAI, Mr. K. Yadav - ITTA , Mr. Jyoti Kapur – ADTOI and Mr. Kanjilal who all unanimously called for a joint action to safeguard the interest of their members.
They also in a one voice passed following resolutions:-
· “The Ministry of Tourism should immediately withdraw E.Commerce Platform and cancel the appointment of Eviivo, UK”.
· “We can not give on a platter, Incredible India brand worth millions and millions of dollars to a foreign tour operators, Incredible India Tours and Travels”.
· “The Government of India, Ministry of Tourism should not get involve in the commercial activities which would adversely affect over 200,000 stake holder”.
· “The Ministry of Tourism should take cognizance of these irregularities and respond by cancelling the appointment of Eviivo in its present role and institute an enquiry to investigate that how such a major decision was taken affecting all of us by ignoring all norms of public interest and accountability”.
“A Joint Action Group” should be formed not only to fight against the Incredible India E.Commerce Platform but also take up all other issues facing the entire industry like service tax, fringe benefit tax and VAT etc. This Joint Action Group would meet regularly and complete the formalities by getting mandate from.