KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES: A WHEREABOUTS INITIATIVE
A firm believer of the fact that an elected representative loses relevance without the magic words of responsibility, accountability and answerability, Sunil Mishra of Cosmos Tours & Travels – the candidate for Hony. Treasurer under the banner of ‘Team for Change’ led by Lally Mathews, has a host of ideas to be implemented if elected in the Managing Committee of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) for 2021-2023.
With over three decades of experience in the tourism industry Mishra understands the pulse of Inbound Tourism. Mishra is very confident that he comes with ideas to improve things which have been stuck in the past. He has been active in IATO for last 10 years in different committees.
In an exclusive conversation with Whereabouts just a day before the scheduled election Mishra who is contesting for the post of Hony. Treasurer says that he believes the ‘Treasurer’ of an association should maintain highest level of integrity, transparency, accountability and answerability. Mishra promises to adhere to these principles on his election to the post.
“I would like to propose one very important initiative which is very much needed for a democratic and transparent IATO is that any single expense above Rs. 10 Lac should be approved by the General Body of IATO. This would go a long way in maintaining healthy participation of members and judicious expenditure as per the wisdom of General Body,” says Mishra.
“The first thing which I would like to take up if elected to the office is to streamline the finances of IATO in a rational way. The spending pattern of the IATO in the past has not been up to the satisfaction level of members so it is high time we should undertake some austerity measures which have become even more imperative in the changing circumstances.”
While elaborating further Mishra says if voted to power the ‘Team for Change’ will work towards prevention of all unnecessary frills after carrying out a wider consultation programme with the members. “We will try to reach out to all the members to seek their valuable suggestions/inputs in person and in writing too wherever possible. While we are committed to block unnecessary expenses, at the same time we will not hesitate for a second for any kind of expenses which is beneficial for our members.”
Mishra feels that any association becomes meaningless without the active participation of maximum number of members. “Once elected we will call a General Body Meeting (GBM) and reach-out to every member for their participation. This pattern of reaching out to people individually will continue after the election and will continue to the end of our tenure if elected to office.”
While talking about his contributions to the industry in recent times Mishra shares that he was instrumental in carrying out training programme of more than 2500 interns from 96 universities across India during pandemic under Corporate Social Responsibility.
Organising a car rally to draw the attention of the Government for much needed SEIS payment during these stressful days of pandemic and handling the responsibility of FAM Tours of FTO’s during ITM 2019 have been some of the recent contributions.
Mishra firmly says that no one will get exclusivity in IATO from the moment ‘Team for Change’ is elected to the office. “We all will be equals in letter and spirit. This is our firm commitment,” concludes Mishra.
