Ministry of Tourism with QCI launches SAATHI certification

Let’s look back at few recent headlines, concerning the future of Tourism and Hospitality industry in India.

“The Uttarakhand government has now lifted COVID-19 restrictions for tourists. As per the revised set of guidelines, it is no longer mandatory for tourists to carry a coronavirus negative report.

“To provide relief to the tourism industry, Mr. Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam, said that people associated with the tourism sector will be given a loan ranging from Rs 1 lakh-Rs. 20 lakh. For the first year, the interest will be borne by the Assam Government.”

The Tourism Sector, one of the most affected due to COVID-19 pandemic is yet to reboot and revive! The tourism industry not only needs huge support from the government, it also need to win the confidence and trust of the people who would not risk travel and stay at this point in time. Moreover, with work from home becoming the norm for employees, frequent lockdowns; official travel, family holidays, pleasure trips have come to a standstill.

With the drop of 60% to 80 % tourists around the world how will Indian tourism re-boot itself to the new and harsh realities of post-pandemic world?While the impact of Covid-19 is being discussed and shared in various forums and platforms – what is of immediate concern is to attract and promote domestic tourism – this is something few states are already taking up with the help of interventions from the government.

World Tourism Day 2020: Ministry of Tourism with QCI launched SAATHI certification for hospitality industry

On the occasion on World Tourism Day on 27^th September 2020, the Ministry of Tourism with QCI launched SAATHI certification for hospitality industry. SAATHI stands for “System for Assessment, Awareness & Training for Hospitality Industry” and it is worked out in association with the Quality Council of India (QCI) in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic to boost confidence in the minds of the customers.

The Certification will have three components – Self-Certification (Initial stage); Capacity Building (Training in terms of SOPs and Guidelines), and finally the Third party Assessment (Certification). As understood from online sources, the final stage of the certification could be voluntary, instead of mandatory to avoid cost issues on third-party assessment and certification.

Speaking on the launch of the SAATHI portal, Mr. Yogendra Tripathy, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism reiterated the need for building the confidence in people and the sector has to sector has to grow in responsible and sustainable manner, the pandemic has made it imperative with safety measures put in place. He also shared the vision for promoting Rural Tourism, which is also the UNWTO’s global theme for this year’s World Tourism Day.

Rural Tourism has a huge untapped potential to create employment and promote indigenous, natural and cultural heritage, historical, crafts, natural beauty among domestic tourists. Initiatives like “Dekho Apna Desh” are already striving to promote rurban areas with focus on “Vocal for Local” and connect with larger goals of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” or a self-reliant India.

Also read: Homestays as a source of rural entrepreneurship and livelihoods – Read more: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/homestays-as-a-source-of-rural-entrepreneurship-and-livelihoods/

Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Online Certification Program

For capacity building in the Tourism Sector the Ministry recommends the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Online Certification Program to acquire right knowledge and skills.

Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Program is a digital initiative of Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India for the citizens of India to become a part of the Tourism Industry. It is an online program where one can learn about tourism at their own time, space, path and pace. The successful completion of this program would enable the learner to become a Certified Tourist Facilitator of Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.