Online Travel Aggregator (OTA):
- An Online Travel Aggregator (OTA) is an intermediary / agent selling travel products and services such as the airlines, car rental, cruise lines, Hotels / Accommodation, railways and vacation packages on behalf of suppliers using internet as a medium.
- They establish an online market place and earn profits on the discounts commonly referred to as commission offered by the suppliers.
- Concerns: Several players in the OTA segment operating now without any accreditation / validation. Thus, there are risks of letting the market operate unhindered leading to unethical trade practices. In this background, the guidelines have been issued.
Recent guidelines by Tourism Ministry:
- This is a voluntary scheme open to bonafide OTA’s to bring them on a common platform in the organized sector.
- The recognition as an approved OTA shall be granted by the Union Ministry of Tourism for 5 years, based on the Inspection Report / Recommendations of a Committee
- The re-approval shall be granted for five years after inspection conducted by a Committee.
- It shall be mandatory for an approved OTA to prominently display the Certificate of approval given by the Ministry in the office premises so that it is visible to a potential tourist.
- The decision of Ministry of Tourism in the matter of approval/ re-approval shall be final.
