Game Plan for 2009

The global economic crisis of 2008 shook the entire world to the core and has impacted industries across the board. One of the most affected industries is tourism, as travel is considered to be more of a luxury and not a necessity. The industry is still not sure about their plans for this year as the global downturn and recent terror attacks in Mumbai have changed the entire game plan of their long term strategies. The year 2008 has led to a reformation period for the Indian travel industry, witnessing the uncertainties in the issue of agency commissions; state tourism boards focusing niche tourism; National Tourism Offices (NTOs) like New York, Jamaica, Japan turning to India; jet fuel prices reaching its peak and the recent Mumbai terror attacks. Thus, industry suppliers have to realise that the business processes can no longer succeed on assessment of past five years’ assumptions. This year will be an economic engine for change. Let’s buckle up for travelling in unknown territories this year and find strategies to tackle the effects of the downturn.