In a significant move, the World Travel and Tourism Council, India Initiative has named Deep Kalra as its Chairperson for 2024-25 while Jyotsna Suri will serve as Vice Chairperson.

World Travel and Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) has appointed Deep Kalra, Founder and Chairman, MakeMyTrip India, as Chairperson and Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, as Vice Chairperson for 2024-25.

In a press statement, WTTCII says that Deep Kalra takes over from Dinesh Khanna, Executive Director, Eastern International Hotels, who served as Chairman of WTTCII for 2022-23.

“I have enormous respect for the distinguished heritage, visionary initiatives and a commendable 23-year legacy of WTTCII. It’s a profound honour that the esteemed members, industry leaders, and captains have entrusted Dr Suri and me with the responsibility of leading this organisation. WTTCII is actively engaging with States, as a Member of the Goa Tourism Board, where we collaborate closely with the Government of Goa. Additionally, we have recently formalised a strategic MoU with the Government of West Bengal to craft a comprehensive marketing and PR roadmap. The collective expertise within our membership base serves as a potent resource for States aspiring to elevate their tourism initiatives. States are where the action lies, and WTTCII is looking at impactful partnerships with States. We’ll actively collaborate to improve and contribute insights to the central government’s priorities and support Prime Minister Modi and the Ministry of Tourism initiatives,” says Kalra.

“Since WTTCII’s inception in 2000 under the guidance of PRS Oberoi, Lalit Suri, and Krishna Kumar, India’s tourism landscape has evolved significantly. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Tourism, India has made substantial progress in tourism, infrastructure, connectivity and regulations. We are excited to contribute to this tourism revolution, emphasising collaboration at the national level and a continued focus on States. WTTCII stresses the importance of advancing tourism initiatives within States to stimulate local tourism economies. Our recent whitepaper, ‘Policy Reforms for Indian Hotel and Hospitality Sector,’ highlights the diverse regulations across States. We call upon States to streamline business environments, fostering increased investments, employment and local livelihood opportunities,” says Jyotsna Suri.

The statement adds that Sujit Banerjee, former Union Secretary of Tourism and Secretary General of WTTCII was recently invited to join the Advisory Board of the GSTC India Working Group. “Our past collaborations with industry associations aimed at creating balanced policies and a competitive business environment. We continue to do so. Aligning with our goals, advancing India’s tourism sustainability agenda is crucial. We look forward to partnering with GSTC India Working Group to realise these objectives and position India as a global focal point for sustainability initiatives,” adds Banerjee.