IATO: Past Work — Maharaj Wahi

CONTRIBUTIONS TO IATO OVER 20+ YEARS

Prominent Actor and Social Activist releasing Bindia, the first inhouse IATO publication in 2000.

Felicitating Mr Amitabh Kant, Joint Secretary, MOT

With Gulam Nabi Azad during the 12th IATO Convention

As a member of the North East Tourism Board

Felicitating Shri Jagmohan on his induction as Minister for Tourism and Culture

With Chief Guest, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Bengal

Felicitating the Chef of Taj Bengal, for winning over the hearts of members with his excellent food

With Secretary, Kerala Tourism who promoted the brand 'God's own Country'

With Convention Chairman, Deepak Sen Gupta and other Team Members

With Mr Thakur, Mr Taneja and Ms Meitty, after signing an MOU with Indonesian Tourism

With Mr Subhash Goyal and other participants at Adventure Conference, Simla

Giving away mementos to the hosts at the Adventure Conference, Simla

With Mr Naveen Berry, Mr Amitabh Kant and Mr Vinod Duggal at the All Industry Meet after 9/11

Mr Goyal delivering his Guru Mantra to Mr Sen Gupta

With Mr Mudgil, Mr Trivedi and Mr Rathore

Joint Industry Felicitation in honour of the Prime Minister of Nepal

During the Hall of Fame Award to Mr M S Oberoi being received by Mr Bikki Oberoi

With Mr Vikram Madhok and Mr Vijay Thakur

Face to face with Mr Subhash Goyal

Felicitating Chairman, AP Tourism Board during Hyderabad Convention

With Mr Subhash Goyal, Mrs Goyal, and Mr Sen Gupta

With Secretary Tourism, GOI, Dr Sen Gupta

With Anchor Mr Roshan Abbas and Sahara Airline Chief Mr Bose

As President of Indian Association of Tour Operators (2001-2003):

Internationally:

Brought about globalization of the Association by bringing in international membership. MOUs were signed with trade bodies of different countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Turkey and the USA.
Addressed issues related with Intra Regional Travel as an Expert on the invitation of the Government of Malaysia chaired by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Nationally:

Based on his recommendation that the consumer pull should be created through proper branding and using the electronic media rather than giving financial support to a few overseas tour operators, the GOI rolled out an Integrated Communication Strategy for Branding India and the ‘Incredible India’ campaign was launched. The campaign has been widely successful.
Broadened the scope of the Association manifold by establishing it as the ‘Marketing Messiah’ for the tourism products of the nation by showcasing regions under the brands ‘Look East’ , ‘Look South’, ‘Look West’.
As a spokesperson for the travel industry (TAAI, IATO, ITA), made presentation at the State Tourism Ministers Conference chaired by the then PM, Shri A B Vajpayee.
Broadened the vision of the association by bringing in Social Responsibility and Disaster Management which contributed immensely during the Orrisa floods(Super Cyclone), Bhuj Earthquakes and substantial contributions to the Prime Minster Relief Fund whenever needed.
Introduced state-wise chapters to rejuvenate the Association and expand its reach, influence and member base. The effort resulted in the creation of 22 new chapters for the Association.
Initiated the first all-industry meet after 9/11, in a bid to unite the entire fraternity and smoothen the effects of the tourism downturn.

State:

Advised and addressed issues related with Karnataka Tourism as an expert during the ‘Connect’ program on the invitation of the then C.M. Shri S. M. Krishna.
Addressed issues related with Kerala Tourism as an expert during the Kerala Travel Mart on the invitation of the then C.M. Shri A. K. Anthony.
Addressed issues related with private sector participation in Manipur Tourism as an expert on the invitation of the then C.M., Shri Okram Ibobi Singh.

In various roles at Indian Association of Tour Operators (1982-2001):

Involved actively in the formation and further growth of the Association over the years. As a part of the executive committee, as a treasurer and then vice-president (before becoming the president) Mr. Wahi’s contributions have enriched the association manifold.
As a Chairman of Convention Committee, spread the association network from the northern region to other parts of the country by holding conventions (attended by around 1500 trade professionals) in the eastern, western and southern regions and changed is status to an all India body.
In the same capacity, introduced (1991) the first IATO manual, the first Indian Tourism Fair and the first set of fraternity awards at the Mumbai convention. (All of which continue till date)
As Vice President, started fortnightly IATO news which continues till date.
As Chairman of the Constitution Committee, amended the constitution of the association to make it more democratic.
As Executive Committee member, introduced the interactive Monthly Luncheon meetings which continue till date and have been replicated by other associations as well.