ASI

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides it regulate all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972. For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance the entire country is divided into 24 Circles. The organization has a large work force of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology Wing. Protection of monuments The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the provisions of the AMASR Act, 1958 protects monuments, sites and remains of national importance by giving a two-months notice for inviting objections, if any in this regard. After the specified two-months period, and after scrutinizing the objections, if any, received in this regard, the ASI makes decision to bring a monument under its protection. There are at present more than 3650 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance. These monuments belong to different periods, ranging from the prehistoric period to the colonial period and are located in different geographical settings. They include temples, mosques, tombs, churches, cemeteries, forts, palaces, step-wells, rockcut caves, and secular architecture as well as ancient mounds and sites which represent the remains of ancient habitation.

Excavations Excavations Various Branches and Circles of the ASI carry out archaeological excavations in different parts of the country. Wing. Since independence various agencies like the Archaeological Survey of India, State Departments of Archaeology, Universities and other research organisations have conducted archaeological ecavations in different parts of the country. Based on the information available in the Indian Archaeology - A Review a list of the sites, excavated during last century, is given state wise.

STRUCTURAL CONSERVATION Ancient Monuments and Preservation Act, 1904 was passed with the prime objective to ensure the proper upkeep and repair of ancient buildings in private ownership excepting such as those used for religious purposes. The conservation processes had now become quite formalized and the later workers in the field were acquiring cumulative knowledge of several generations. CHEMICAL PRESERVATION The Archaeological Survey of Indias Science Branch is responsible mainly for the chemical conservation treatment and preservation of some three thousand five hundred ninety three Protected monuments besides chemical preservation of museum and excavated objects countrywide. The role of scientific discipline is vital to both these steps of conservation activities. Accordingly, a specific objective of scientific research activities in conservation being carried out by the Science Branch is aimed to study:

Material deterioration process. Basic studies of intervention technologies. Basic studies on materials. Diagnostic technologies.

Epigraphical Studies Epigraphical Studies The Epigraphy Branch of the Survey caters to the needs of the Sanskrit & Dravidian inscriptions and coins (Headquarters at Mysore) and Arabic & Persian inscriptions and coins (Headquarters at Nagpur) National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities India has an extraordinarily rich, vast and diverse cultural heritage in the form of built heritage, archaeological sites and remains since prehistoric times. The sheer magnitude in number alone is overwhelming and these are the symbols of both cultural expression and evolution. There now appears to prevail a fundamental lack of knowledge, understanding and, perhaps, interest in our past: in what constitutes the heritage of India, the process that governed its coming into being, and how this heritage relates to the people. Its manifestations expressed in cultural forms are losing their traditional essence in rapidly transforming lifestyles in an era of industrial growth. There is, however, no comprehensive record in the form of database where such archaeological resources in terms of built heritage, sites and antiquities can be referred. As a result this finite, non-renewable and irreversible resource of our country is fast disappearing without any record for the posterity.

TAAI

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) was formed towards the end of the year 1951 by a group of twelve leading Travel agents, who felt that the time had come to create an Association to regulate the Travel industry in India. The primary purpose was to protect the interests of those engaged in the industry, to promote its orderly growth and development and to safeguard the rights of the traveling public. TAAI represents all that is professional, ethical and dynamic in our nation's Travel related activity and has been recognised as the voice of the Travel and Tourism industry in India. With a membership data base of over 2400 Active; Allied and Associate members comprising of IATA accredited Travel Agencies; Airlines & General Sales Agencies; Hotels and Tour operators; TAAI is the largest Travel Association of India. TAAI endeavours to build in its constituents, and others it deals with, a commitment to:

Apply superior technical skills to the job on hand. Deliver the highest quality of service. Act with responsibility within sound financial parameters. Build trust and credibility in the marketplace.

In fulfilling its mission and supporting traditional values as well as embracing change, TAAI's objectives are to work towards :

A committed national membership. Widening its area of influence by judiciously delegating authority and responsibility to Regions, Chapters and City Committees. Professional management of its affairs at all levels. A responsive and well equipped Secretariat which benefits all members.

The manner in which TAAI conducts itself on issues of trade principles and practices will determine its contribution to the Travel and Tourism industry.

IATA

History IATA was formed in April 1945, in Havana, Cuba. It is the successor to the International Air Traffic Association, founded in The Hague in 1919, the year of the world's first international scheduled services. At its founding, IATA had 57 members from 31 nations, mostly in Europe and North America. Today it has about 230 members from more than 140 nations in every part of the world

Core Functions Price setting body for international airfare Administrates worldwide the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) Cargo Accounts Settlement Systems (CASS) Publishes standards for use in the airline industry Coordinates the Scheduling process Publishes the IATA Rates of Exchange (IROE) IATA Safety Operational Audit (IOSA)

Price setting One of its core functions is to act as a price setting body for international airfare. In an arrangement going back to 1944 Originally both domestic and international avFor fare calculations IATA has divided the world in three regions: 1. South, Central and North America. 2. Europe, Middle East and Africa. IATA Europe includes the geographical Europe and Turkey, Israel, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. 3. Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the Pacific Ocean Airline and Aircraft Operations IATA identifies and develops operational solutions for all areas affecting aircrafts and airlines, either on ground or in flight. This includes the analysis of flight operations data, quality assurance matters and maintenance of the airline operational information exchange Airport & Air Navigation Services The air transport industry must continue to modernise its infrastructure to avoid capacity constraints, improve airspace efficiency and minimise costs. IATA takes a leadership role in influencing airport planning and development projects worldwide to meet airline requirements for safety, efficiency and functionality.

IATA works globally with airlines' airport and air navigation service providers to promote fair pricing policies . By restoring a balance in the industry value chain, we aim at making all partners profitable.

We play an active role in making sure we have a responsible air transport industry. By working closely with our airline Members, we have developed best practices that will benefit everybody and that will help reduce aircraft noise and emissions.

IATA Cargo! Air Cargo is a US$50 billion business that transports 35% of the value of goods traded internationally and a critical part of the airline business which, as a whole, is the US$490 billion heart of a value chain that supports 32 million jobs and US$3.5 trillion of economic activity. It is an important industry that is critical to global business. IATA Economics Analysis of economic and policy developments affecting the financial performance of the global airline industry An environmentally-responsible industry The environment is one of our top priorities, along with safety and security. Airlines are working constantly to limit their climate change impact, emissions and noise. IATA helps them do so. Passenger and Commercial Services IATA's goal is to help its Members provide a seamless travel experience to their customers. As today's business is driven by consumer expectations, our challenge is to meet those expectations in a financially sustainable business environment. Looking forward, we are aiming at simplifying the travel experience to minimize hassle and give more control to each passenger. In this section you will find information about:

E-Ticketing Passenger Tariffs Passenger and Baggage Processing Reservations Scheduling Simplifying Passenger Travel Policies and Regulations In the highly competitive airline industry, carriers struggle with regulations and bilateral agreements that restrict international airline ownership and full access to global capital markets. Increasingly airline alliances, mergers, low-cost subsidiaries and clone operations are adding flexibility to business strategies, but they fall short of a fully liberalised environment that other business sectors enjoy.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS They explains about a lot of dos and don'ts relating Accommodation, Food, Travel Seasons, Shopping, Language, Photography, Tipping, Currency, Medical assistance, Museumseven about the volts of electric current in India TRAVEL THEMES Visit India, First Time India's Lost Frontiers Safari Tours Adventure Tours Special Interest Tours Pilgrimage Tours Re-live India IHRA

The IH&RA is the only international trade association exclusively devoted to promoting and defending the interests of the hotel and restaurant industry worldwide. It is a non-profit membership organisation dedicated to helping members achieve their business objectives and prepare for the future. IH&RA the International Hotel & Restaurant Association is the only global business organization representing the hospitality industry worldwide. Officially recognized by the United Nations, IH&RA monitors and lobbies all international agencies on behalf of this industry, estimated to comprise 300,000 hotels and 8 million restaurants, employ 60 million people and contribute 950 billion USD annually to the global economy. AREAS OF SPECIALITY Human Resources / Education Finance, Taxation Legal Development Marketing / E Commerce Real Estate ( Time Share & Fractionals) International Relations Who are its members?

International and National Hotel and/or Restaurant Chains Independent Hoteliers and Restaurateurs National Hotel and/or Restaurant Associations Providers and Supporters of the Industry

What does Membership of the IH&RA mean? Industry Watchdog - Protecting your business interests. High profile events - Building your business network. Timely News Reports - Keeping you informed.

How is it run? The IH&RA is run on a not-for-profit basis with a team led by a Chief Executive. It is governed by a General Assembly and a Board of Directors.

Where is it located? Since 1946 to 2007, IH&RA headquarters was in Paris, France. IH&RA move to Geneva, Switzerland as of January 2008. WHAT Does it do? 1. Monitor issues that are raised by major international organizations involved in tourism. 2. Represent the collective industry interests before policy makers. 3. Lobby for better recognition of the hospitality industry worldwide. 4. Lobby against damaging or costly attempts to regulate the industry. 5. Create Global Councils around industry issues to debate positions & create solutions. 6. Listen to its members to ensure that all issues are addressed. 7. Create Programs to serve the industry (ie. International Worker Exchange, Youth Councils, Youth at Risk) 8. Provides a website platform for members to secure relevant information on the industry worldwide. 9. Plan a series of informative Council and Board meetings and an annual Congress.

Provide support where requested to lend weight to local and regional issues.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Being a membership-driven not-for-profit organisation, IH&RA works through a series of Councils focusing the expertise of its members on issues considered of vital importance to membership and to the industry generally. These councils identify issues, set priorities and propose future action. They are:

NACE National Association Chief Executives - Council Chains Council Global Councils

These Councils make recommendations to the Board of Directors, the main executive organ of the IH&RA. The Board provides strategic direction to the Association, deliberates on recommendations for action from the Councils and reviews IH&RA activities and management. The Board meets three times a year, once in conjunction with the Annual FRHAI

Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India, often known by the acronym, FHRAI, is the Apex Body of the four Regional Associations representing the Hospitality Industry. FHRAI provides an interface between the Hospitality Industry, Political Leadership, Academics, International Associations and other Stake Holders. FHRAI is committed to promote and protect the interests of the Hospitality Industry by actively seeking better privileges and more concessions for the Industry. FHRAI members are always kept abreast with the latest trade information and trends, statistical analysis and reports on various topics that have a direct impact on the Industry, government notifications and circulars. FHRAI helps the Hospitality Industry to grow, prosper and keep in pace with the developments in the International scenario. With more than 3300 members comprising of approximately 2052 hotels, 1016 restaurants, 150 associate members and the 4 regional associations, FHRAI is truly the voice of the Hospitality Industry that brings several million dollars to the exchequer and employs more than 15 million direct workers.

Established in the year 1955, FHRAI was sponsored by the four Regional Associations representing the Eastern, Northern, Western and Southern regions of India.

The principle mission of FHRAI is to Represent, Promote and Develop the Hospitality Industry in India. In the path to fulfill the mission, FHRAI

Represents the Hospitality Industry through the pre-budget memorandum presented to the Government. Represents the Hospitality Industry on the matters of taxes, regulations and relief Lobbies for the before the Ministries and Agencies of the Central Government. Interacts continuously regarding these matters with Regional Associations, State Associations and Members. Sends representations to various State Governments on matters affecting the Industry in that State. Keeps the Members informed about the developments in Legal matters, trends and developments in the national and international trade scenario.

The Four Regional Associations are the four pillars of FHRAI and actively work in sustaining the mission of FHRAI in their regions. To become a member of FHRAI it is necessary to be first member of the concerned Regional Association. The four Regional Associations are : HOTEL & RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION OF EASTERN INDIA ; HRAEI HOTEL & RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN INDIA ; HRANI SOUTHERN INDIA HOTEL & RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION ; SIHRA HOTEL & RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION (WESTERN INDIA) ; HRAWI ACTIVITIES OF Regional Associations

Interaction with Members Dissemination of information Circulation of newsletters and other literature concerning the hospitality industry Organising conventions, seminars, and symposia Conducting research on hotel and restaurant industry and updating members on latest developments Training of human resource in different spheres of hotel and restaurant activity Taking legal action in favour of members when members interest and thereby the interest of the Industry is at stake. Help in expansion and development of existing projects Being the authentic voice of the hospitality industry and lobbying for all relevant matters before the state and central government