IATO to take responsibility of monuments for maintenance and sanitation

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will adopt the famed Qutub Minar and the Humayun Tomb in Delhi; the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra and the Fatehpuri Sikri near Agra by taking responsibility for their daily maintenance and sanitation. Under a scheme launched by the Ministry of Culture, the landmarks will be managed under Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). In a meeting held day before yesterday, Vijay Thakur, President, IATO told IATO members that the work of such maintenance is likely to be outsourced to a company with a proven track record in improving sanitary and hygiene conditions. For its part, all IATO members will offer one-day complimentary tours to the attractions, as part of the Visit India Year 2009. Meanwhile IATO is setting up new branches to promote Rural Tourism, domestic and outbound travel as well as to look at the growing adventure travel market.