Amid Covid 19 outbreak, which has affected the Travel & Tourism Industry at large, Mice Affairs Media organized an E Panel Discussion through Video Conferencing on 17 March. Six travel industry professionals including one from the digital technology domain also joined the digital discussion. The key agenda included 

Q 1: Measuring Impact on Business

Q 2: The First Step-  Measures Taken

Q 3: Taking Call on Human Resource

Q 4: Call on Confirmed or semi confirmed business

Q 5: Recovery Plan and Plan B

Q 6: Expectations from Government

Participants shared the current scenario in travel business amid the outbreak and the first steps taken by them. Some of them have already applied work from home policy, control on expenses and guiding their staff and clients on the precautions. Travel is the first and foremost effective sector out of the outbreak. There are not many options available for the travel and MICE companies in terms of alternate plans. What's available is to wait and watch. On the other technology solution providers are working on digital event programs, which as per them can be offered to Conference and Exhibition business. 

On the other side Indian Travel Companies are facing another issue in terms of new tax which is being proposed from April 2020 i.e. TCS. As explained by a few panelists this shall attract an additional burden of 5% on overseas tour packages and the package cost shall rise to 5% more. The major threat being faced by this sector shall arise form online companies not registered in india as they are also out of GST regime. Hence the travel packages  shall be dearer by 10% (for those under TCS) if TCS is implemented. 

The session was moderated by Sachin from Mice Affairs Media and key panelists included Rainbow Trade Fair Tours, Geanis Holidays, Golden Travels, Sarcon Tech (technology partner for the event).

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