RAM KOHLI PASSES AWAY

Ram Kohli, IATO’s Founder President and the founder of Creative Travel passed away this morning. Beyond being a successful businessman, Kolhi played an important role at the national and international levels in the functioning of the industry as a whole. He was the man whose grit, determination and persuasion brought about a transformation in the travel and tourism fraternity. In 1982, Kohli felt the need for an independent voice for the tour operator community in the country and he brought together a team of like-minded people to form the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Having held five terms as President of the association, today IATO stands as the main voice of the industry at large. Its successes today can be attributed to a vision of one man.

Ram had also earned a special distinction for India in his past role as International Chairman of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association), a responsibility he took over after serving 2 terms as Secretary & Treasurer and then Chairman elect & Chairman). (Ram holds the distinction of being only the second Indian from the private sector to hold the position of Chairman in its 53 year history). ITB Berlin also awarded him with the highest recognition of ITB – the ITB Golden Pin for his long standing support to ITB. He was the first Indian to attend the first ITB in 1966.

SATTE had also honoured Ram Kohli of Creative Travel with the award “Ambassador for India Tourism” for his contribution in promoting Indian tourism for last 40 years.

This is just a drop in the ocean of accolades he earned and the hand he extended to the betterment of travel and tourism industry, and he will be sorely missed.