Oberoi Group President Kapil Chopra new WTTCII Chairman

NEW DELHI: The World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) today announced appointment of hospitality chain Oberoi Group President Kapil Chopra as its Chairman for 2016.

Chopra, who served as the Vice-Chairman of WTTCII for 2015, takes over from Manav Thadani, Chairman, HVS, South Asia, who completed his term at the recently held AGM in Delhi, the council said in a statement.

It further said Air India Chairman & Managing Director Ashwani Lohani has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman of WTTCII for 2016.

On the new assignment, Chopra said: "Tourism growth in India has been the slowest in three years and is only 4 per cent growth over last year's. One of the most important interventions needed at this moment is the revival, recasting and relaunching the 'Incredible India Campaign 2.0'."

He added: "The E-Tourist Visa on Arrival (ETVoA) scheme, currently extended to 113 countries, must be communicated effectively to consumers... as awareness continues to be low."

According to Lohani, one of the primary needs of tourism is easy access to a destination.

"Civil aviation and tourism must be linked to address this objective. Delineating or isolating both these functions will not see the desired growth. Tourism and aviation must be integral to make India an accessible, affordable destination," Lohani added.