Kanwaljeet Singh Sawhney, General Secretary of the Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA), brought attention to the major financial challenges faced by tourist transport operators—especially when acquiring and modifying luxury vehicles. He pointed out that current loan policies are impractical, as most financial institutions insist on vehicle registration before loan approval. This forces operators to shoulder the entire cost upfront, including an additional ₹20–25 lakh for essential modifications. Sawhney strongly advocated for more practical loan provisions, stressing that without financial support, operators struggle to stay competitive in the evolving tourism industry.
He also raised concerns over regulations mandating speed governors on luxury tourist vehicles, which cap speeds at 80 km/h. According to Sawhney, this restriction is not only impractical but also embarrassing when dealing with high-profile clients who expect prompt and premium service. Such limitations, he argued, severely impact service delivery and client satisfaction.
Speaking about shifts in the tourism landscape, Sawhney observed a notable surge in religious and medical tourism across India. He highlighted that spiritual destinations are seeing increased footfall, while India’s healthcare sector continues to attract international patients, particularly from Africa and the Middle East. Sawhney underscored the importance of adapting to these emerging trends, noting that embracing such transformations is key to the industry’s sustainable growth.
