TAAI moves forward with new President and managing committee

At the recently held AGM of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), a new managing committee was elected.

The association’s 2,500+ members, which cover 16 chapters across India, elected Sunil Kumar as President, Marzban Antia as Vice President, Bettaiah Lokesh and Hon. Secretary General, and Jay Bhatia as Hon. Treasurer and Chairman Tourism Council.

The committee has now drawn up a two-year agenda to tackle the various challenges that are faced by the industry. The primary endeavour is to focus on addressing member expectations in order to keep them actively associated with TAAI. A number of initiatives have been outlined for this purpose, stated Mr. Kumar.

TAAI’s new Hon. Treasurer & Chairman of the Tourism Council, Jay Bhatia commented; “TAAI is working in elevating the tourism sector to and from India into a leadership position in the world by monitoring global developments. We prepare and present law and regulation proposals which will be enacted to enhance the current success of the sector to even higher levels.

“We are in the process to tie-up with domestic and international tourism boards so as to enhance our concept on ‘Namaste India’ which shall ensure bi-lateral growth in international tourism.
“Continuous education for all be it industry related, personal finance, grooming and mentoring a better future are on the anvil,” Mr. Bhatia added.

Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Secretary General, further commented; “Apart from the Joint Bank Guarantee proposal which is pending approval, this team has worked closely over the last two years along with airlines, tourism boards, financial institutions, hotels and other stakeholders and shall carry on the progressive work for the benefit of its members.”

Marzban Antia, new TAAI Vice President, stated that the industry should move ahead with technology and the virtual space. “Agent members are looking forward to the positive change but we have to ensure that our principals support us as well as guide us so that there is a win-win situation for all.”

TAAI is also keen to launch its Preferred Partner Program (PPP), bringing together hoteliers, airlines, cruise companies, ground handlers, tourism bodies, visa facilitators and other travel stakeholders. A target to increase the TAAI membership base by more than 20% is also planned.

Following the TAAI’s ‘India Travel Congress and Annual Convention’, which was held in Bali in March 2015, members are looking forward to the next destination where this year’s convention shall be held, which is usually at prime destinations around the world.

Other new committee members include Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of the Airline Council; Shreeram Patel, GDS & Technology; Bhagwan Ramnani, Allied Services; Devaki T, Taxation; Imtiaz Qureshi, Legal; Anil Kumar, Membership Development; and Venkatachalam R, who will chair the Cultural Council.

“Our focus will be on evolution, interactive liaison with government, tourism boards, airlines and enhance growth through continuous education,” Mr Kumar concluded.