New Delhi: Hospitality and travel companies like such Airbnb,, Oyo and Yatra join forces to create a new industry organization called the Confederation of Hospitality Technology and Tourism industry (CHAT).

CHATT aims to promote domestic tourism, lead the “digital transformation” of tourism-related business and operating models, get “proactive” through advocacy programs to be thought leaders and provide training and useful programs to all industry segments, according to a statement .

Every member has access to CHATT resources and benefits, including participation in year-round programs, unique business events, access to the travel technology ecosystem, including the experts and regional leaders among others.

The association includes:

  • Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for Airbnb in India, Southeast Asia
  • Nishant Pitti, Co-Founder and CEO of EaseMyTrip
  • Rohit Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer of Oyo India and Southeast Asia
  • Dhruv Shringi, Co-Founder and CEO of Yatra.com

In a virtual digital kick-off event by CHATT, Minister of Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel said the establishment of CHATT was a “landmark decision” to strengthen India’s resilient domestic tourism market and help small hotel partners, homeowners and agents expand their offerings to meet the needs of tourists.

He also said the Ministry of Tourism is working to ensure that hotel and host family data is available on the unified NIDHI portal for the benefit of tourists, and that CHATT will play a crucial role in this.

“Vaccination will drive the revitalization of the tourism sector and we are working on a uniform guideline and protocols for travelers who are vaccinated against Covid-19. CHATT’s consolidated efforts will benefit SMEs, MSMEs hotels, homeowners, partners and I welcome you to join the various government committees to represent the unified voice of the industry, “he added.

CHATT founding members said their work aims to advance the interests of small businesses in the industry by leveraging digital initiatives and ongoing dialogues with the government.

In the virtual presentation, CHATT members said they are engaging with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Tourism and other central government ministries, state governments, tourism authorities, airlines and operators, independent and small hotel chains, OTAs, F&B companies and bed and breakfasts become .

According to the association, the focus sectors also include the travel and hospitality sectors such as payment, property technology and advertising.

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