Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organized a round table discussion on ‘role of civil aviation in promoting Indian economy and tourism’ in New Delhi on Friday (March 22). The event, drawing experts and officials from across the civil aviation and tourism sectors, focused on the transformative impact of civil aviation on India’s economic and tourism landscapes. The Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Vumlunmang Vualnam, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, highlighting the government’s commitment to the sector.
Dr. Subash Goyal, Chairman of the ICC Tourism Committee & STIC Travel Group, set the tone for the day with his welcome address, followed by Nikhil Kanodia, Chairman of North India – ICC, who delivered a special address emphasizing the national economy’s pivotal role in this context. Kapil Kaul, CEO & Director of CAPA India, provided the keynote, shedding light on the critical structural changes needed within the industry.
The round table boasted a distinguished panel, including Sanjeev Edward, CEO of Cargo & Logistics at GMR Group and Chairman of the Aviation Committee of ICC, and Harvinder Singh, Director for the Middle East & India at United Airlines. Insights were also shared by Bobby Sawhney, Chairman of the Transport Committee, ICC; Jyoti Mayal, President of TAAI; and Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO. The Ministry of Tourism was well-represented by Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, and Manisha Saxena, Director General, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between tourism and aviation.
The discussion culminated in a set of recommendations offered by Chander Mansharamani, Co-Chairman of the ICC Tourism Committee & Managing Director of Alpcord Network. Highlighting the imperative for an Open Sky Policy and a collective approach to overcoming industry challenges, Mansharamani elaborated on the promising prospects for civil aviation in India. “The trend is very encouraging for the Indian civil aviation segment,” he noted, echoing Harvinder Singh’s sentiments. He also touched upon the significance of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) as not merely an industry but a crucial economic driver, a point that resonated with the attendees.
The commitment of ICC to bolster the civil aviation and tourism sectors was evident in Mansharamani’s announcement of forthcoming events, including a significant celebration marking 100 years of ICC and an event in Srinagar focusing on tourism prospects beyond the G20 summit. The Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s openness to suggestions from the round table was lauded as a positive step toward collaborative growth and development in these vital sectors of the Indian economy.
