the travel agents association of india

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Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) was incorporated during 1951, 4 years after Indian Independence. It continues most effectively with quality growth and ability to support industry growth. TAAI is India’s premier, nodal, largest and oldest Travel & Tourism Association.

TAAI’s membership of about 2,500+ leading Indian companies involved actively with Tourism brings to its members constant guidance from our 20 Regional Units, which is unique to TAAI and its development of Leadership. Each unit has an elected Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer to effectively administer. Member agencies get to meet regularly. We support road shows; presentations; interaction on industry updates, most effectively.

TAAI is actively associated with the Airlines & IATA. As members of IATA”s APJC (Agency Program Joint Council)we debate on matters on Airline practices. TAAI’s active Airlines Council connects TAAI with Domestic & International Airlines.

TAAI works closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. We actively participate in the Tourism Meetings convenedby the Government. We are actively associated with State Tourism Boards of India.

TAAI has a large membership who isactively involved in several industry verticals, and thus its focus is to promote these effectively and connect members with opportunities.

TAAI National Office Bearers (2022-24)

Jyoti Mayal

New Airways Travels (Delhi) Pvt Ltd Delhi

Tulsidas Khimji Holidays Mumbai

Vice President

Bettaiah Lokesh

Triway Travels Private Limited Bengaluru

Hon. Secretary General

Shreeram Patel

Unicorn Travels Ahmedabad

TAAI National Managing Committee Members (2022-24)

Amish Desai

Anoop Kanuga

Devesh Kumar Agarwal

Paras Lakhia

P. Murugesan

Ramasamy Venkatachalam

Bahram P. Zadeh

Sameer Karnani

Kulvinder Singh Kohli

TAAI is a one point contact for any country; destination or attraction to be effectively promoted well across India.

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TAAI – Travel Agent Association of India

Travel Agent Association of India (TAAI) is the largest tourism organization in India which helps in the promotion and development of tourism. TAAI is the representative body of the travel industry of India, representing not only the interest of travel agencies but also of other segments of the tourism industry such as tour operators , hotels, airlines (international and domestic), transport companies, cruise companies, excursion agents and tourists guides who are its member.

In 1949 ASTA organized a conference to discuss various issues and problems relating to the travel industry in the USA. It was attended by all the members over the world.

Mr. N.J Katgara (died in 1997) was the first person from India who is participated in this conference. He was of the opinion that a similar association should be established in India to protect the interests of Indian travel agencies.

In 1951 , his dream turned into a reality when the ‘Travel Agent Association of India (TAAI)’ was established . The TAAI was incorporated on a modest scale and had only 10 travel agencies as to its members at that time.

The organization now has a membership of about 2400 in more than 76 cities in India and 20 foreign countries. The TAAI logo represents the integrity, ethics, professionalism, service, and financial soundness of the travel outfit.

TAAI is a limited organization. TAAI headquarter is established in Mumbai .

Objectives of TAAI

TAAI has been in existence for over 66 years now. Its name as well as its credibility both the travelers and the government of India is well established. The major aims and objectives of TAAI are:

• To protect the interest of Indian Travel Companies.
• To organize training and development programs for the members.
• To provide the means for collaboration.
• To develop and promote tourism .
• To provide timely, up to date and reliable information to the members.
• To promote ethical practices.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and State Tourism departments recognize the representative character of TAAI, and the company is consulted in each issue that has a direct or indirect impact on tourism. In fact, the department of tourism, ITDC, and State Tourism Corporations are its members.

The company has consultative status with the ministries of External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Finance, Transport, Railways, and Home Affairs.

TAAI Membership

The Travel Agent Association of India plays an important role in the field of travel and tourism in India. TAAI promotes and develops tourism, helps in collaboration, and protects the interest of Indian Travel companies in India. TAAI is a tourism organization and any organization/firm and agency can apply for its membership.

TAAI provides two types of membership:-

Active Members

Associate members.

Travel companies actively involved in the travel business can become its active members provided that

• They have an IATA license.
• Have approval from the Department of Tourism, Government of India.
• Recognized by RBI.
• Recognized by the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Functions successfully for at least one or two years.
• Have a good professional reputation
• Have sound financial health.

The associate members of the company are airlines, railways, and branches of travel agencies. Associate members are those who support the travel and tourism industry in the backend. These are vendors or suppliers of tourism products.

The application for the membership is routed through the Regional Travel Agents Association which makes recommendations to the central management committee after the due scrutiny. The process is essential to protect the name and logo of TAAI and its membership. The recommendations of the regional committee are necessary for the membership.

Organization Structure of TAAI

The activities and functions of TAAI are managed/operated by the central and regional management committees. Presently, TAAI has three regional association offices in Calcutta, Chennai, and Delhi and has three more branches in Kerala, Gujarat, and Karnataka.

TAAI’s constitution allows the formation of regional associations where there are more than 10 active members, to enable them to handle their local problems, issues, and other things. The system is more effective because each regional association has its regional management committee. They meet every month to discuss various issues and problems.

The other activities and affairs are managed by the Central Management Committee. The president is the main authority of TAAI , who is appointed/elected by the active members in the annual general meeting.

Many regions have sub-committees to ensure more effective implementation of policies and plans such as the fellowship committee and P.R Committee of the northern region etc.

Role and Functions of TAAI

The travel agency business these days has gone much beyond mere ticketing and reservation. It covers a wide spectrum of activities including tour planning, tour designing, tour marketing, coasting and pricing, travel insurance, foreign currency, travel guidance, etc.

Therefore, TAAI is in the process of surveying and identifying genuine professionals to ensure the quality of services and also to meet the cut-throat competition within the trade. The role of TAAI thus, can not be underestimated to ensure fair trade practices, standardized services, and tourism promotion etc.

Today, TAAI considers itself a strong marketing arm of airlines, travel companies, government, and other organizations. The role and functions of TAAI are:

• Help in the promotion of inbound, outbound, and domestic tourism.
• TAAI offers a common forum.
• TAAI provides professional help to its members.
• It conducts market research.
• TAAI develop Human Resource.
• TAAI helps the government to formulate tourism policy.
• It provides up to date information about the industry.
• TAAI from time to time undertakes advertising campaigns.
• It helps in maintaining a continuous dialogue with other tourism organizations.
• TAAI keep the tourist away from unethical trade practices.

TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

TAAI Secretariat, Mumbai 2-D Lawrence and Mayo House, 276, DR. D N Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001.

TAAI Office, Delhi 212, New Delhi House, 27, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi - 110001.

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67th Travel Agent Association of India (TAAI) Convention to give big boost to Sri Lanka tourism

The 67th convention and exhibition of the travel agent association of india (taai) which began on july 6, 2023, in sri lanka’s capital, colombo was a landmark event championing the future of tourism..

The highly anticipated convention assembled an array of prominent industry leaders, forward-thinking visionaries, and esteemed delegates to discuss, debate, and shape the future of tourism.

This landmark event, aimed at transcending borders in travel and personal growth, underscores the transformative potential of tourism in bringing prosperity, peace, and economic development to nations. The TAAI Convention is more than an industry event; it’s a platform for change, a call for evolution, and a celebration of the power of travel to transform lives.

The prestigious 3-day TAAI Convention 2023 was hosted in Colombo at the invitation of the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the primary sponsor, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO). The convention has traditionally proven to be a significant boost for host destinations, with tourist numbers often quadrupling in the wake of the event, as TAAI members effectively acted as tourism ambassadors.

Operating under the theme ‘Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives’, the convention aimed to strengthen bilateral tourism and position Sri Lanka as a favourite destination among Indian outbound travellers. It promised to be a platform for promoting regional tourism while also bolstering Sri Lanka’s reputation on the international stage.

The convention drew over 500 delegates, including experts from the tourism and hospitality industries, tour operators, and key stakeholders from both countries. Jyoti Mayal, the President of TAAI, expressed her gratitude to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) for their valuable support in organizing the event.

Sri Lankan President H. E. Ranil Wickremesinghe: Pledges to Revive Sri Lankan Tourism

The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, H. E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, inaugurated the eagerly anticipated 67th Travel Congress of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) – the largest and oldest travel-trade Association of India.

The convention’s opening ceremony took place at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). H. E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism and Lands, honoured the event as a guest.

Addressing the delegates, the President underscored the need for the country to plan for receiving at least 5 million tourists in the near future. He further highlighted Sri Lanka’s significant potential for tourism, with the ability to attract a considerable number of tourists from India and other neighbouring countries.

H. E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka said, “Of the three regions in Asia, of our size, East Asia, Southeast Asia has far more tourists than us. South Asia together may not have as many tourists as one or two of the East Asian or Southeast Asian countries or Western Europe. Why is it? India is good with domestic tourism. Are you going to rely solely on domestic tourism? When you can earn so much money and foreign exchange, more than what you target for if you attract international travellers. In the next 10 years, per capita income will increase, and people will travel around, and look for eco-friendly tourism. Why don’t we have it?”

The President went on to say, “So why don’t we make our whole BIMSTEC area one borderless tourist area? Is that what you want? Transcending borders? Not just Sri Lankans travelling to India or Indians travelling to Bangladesh. No. It’s one tourist area for anyone who wants to come from outside. We have so much to offer. I have seen some of your assets. I have driven from Srinagar to Ladakh, to Leh. Staying in Kargil was not the best of accommodations, but the potential you have for development. I have been to many other areas of India as well.”

President Wickremesinghe then proposed the idea to boost tourism cooperation among the seven member nations of BIMSTEC. Comprising India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan, the BIMSTEC region was emphasized by President Wickremesinghe for its immense potential. He also highlighted the theme of the TAAI convention, “Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives,” aligning it seamlessly with his proposal for a borderless tourism area.

President Wickremesinghe’s proposal to establish a “borderless” tourism area within the BIMSTEC region reflected Sri Lanka’s commitment to intensify regional cooperation and stimulate tourism growth.

In the face of Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe addressed the ongoing recovery efforts and debt restructuring process. He underscored the importance of tourism as a non-debt-creating source of revenue, encouraging its maximum potential to be leveraged for achieving a positive balance of trade.

The President also mentioned various initiatives planned by the Sri Lankan government to expedite the country’s recovery from the economic crisis. These initiatives included the development of seven golf courses and additional resorts. He indicated that certain laws would be revised to foster growth in the tourism sector and attract more visitors.

Gopal Bagley, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, attended the inaugural ceremony and addressed the delegates. In his speech, he said, “The theme “Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives,” is precisely the spirit of the India-Sri Lanka relationship that has brought these two countries together as civilizational twins. We are all aware of the geographical proximity of India and Sri Lanka, but over the course of millennia, this proximity has been layered with history, culture, civilization, religions, languages, music, films, cricket, democracy, diversity, plurality, respect, peace, and harmony.”

Gopal Bagley went on to say, “When you visit Sri Lanka, it also reflects the values that we cherish and share, as demonstrated by Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. I express my gratitude to the Minister of Tourism and the invaluable guidance and leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Over the past few months, we have not only resumed the Chennai-Jaffna flights, which used to operate four times a week, but these flights will now operate every day starting from July 16th. We are also working on resuming the ferry services, which have been inactive for decades, and the idea of an international cruise from India to Sri Lanka is no longer just a concept. “

He shared that both governments were trying to establish ferry services between Karaikal in the Union Territory of Puducherry and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Jaffna, which would enhance connectivity and promote people-to-people exchanges.

Gopal Bagley added, “The use of Indian currency in Sri Lanka is a boost to tourism, as Indian tourists can now conveniently use their currency for payments. Additionally, efforts are underway to enable digital payments between the two countries. This will not only facilitate transcending borders and transforming lives but also build upon the legacies that form our common heritage.”

Gopal Baglay highlighted the significant role of tourism as a vehicle promoting people-to-people ties. The High Commissioner focussed on the influence of religion in bolstering tourism, providing examples of the Buddhist and Ramayana Circuits spanning India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Nishad Wijetunga, President of SLAITO, expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting the association’s long-standing relationship with TAAI. He noted that hosting the convention reflected Sri Lanka’s resilience and recovery following the challenges faced in the past.

Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of SLTPB, shared that the island nation, for the first time in 15 years, was planning to implement a comprehensive 360-degree marketing strategy targeting key international source markets, with a particular emphasis on India and China. As part of these efforts, approximately 1,000 social media influencers from around the world would be hosted to showcase the diverse tourism offerings in Sri Lanka.

“The forthcoming Asia Cup cricket tournament is an excellent opportunity to attract Indian tourists, especially during the highly anticipated India-Pakistan matches,” Gajabahu had said. He praised the contributions of Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya, who serves as a tourism ambassador, for promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism initiatives in India.

On the convention’s second day, the Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, attended a dinner reception in Colombo as the chief guest. Abeywardena expressed his gratitude towards India for its support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis the previous year.

As discussions and collaborations unfolded at the TAAI convention, the potential for enhanced tourism cooperation and economic development in the region remained a key focus.

At Press Conference: President Jyoti Mayal optimistic about future Indo-Sri Lankan Tourism

The event, from July 6 to July 9, was initiated with a press conference that saw the participation of both Indian and international media. With approximately 50 members of the Indian media attending, the event was expected to significantly amplify Sri Lanka’s presence in the Indian market via extensive media coverage and networking with visiting travel agents.

At the press conference during the official opening of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Convention, TAAI President Jyoti Mayal voiced her confidence about the future of tourism between India and Sri Lanka. She stated, “I am confident that Sri Lanka would welcome many more tourists in the days to follow,” underlining the potential for strengthened tourism ties between the two nations.

Mayal underscored the importance of cooperation among stakeholders at various levels to adopt a holistic approach, integrating policies, regulations, incentives, standards, technologies, and best practices. This approach, she pointed out, had the potential to contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in the region.

“With Sri Lanka playing host to this grand event after the turmoil it went through last year following the economic crisis, shows the island nation is ready to welcome visitors again,” Mayal told PTI. “And, we are delighted to hold the convention in Sri Lanka with which India shares a deep historical and cultural connect,” she said. 

“The focus of the convention this year is completely futuristic. The pandemic was tragic and truly devastating. But, after the recovery made in the sector on the growing confidence of travellers, who seek to put the pandemic memories behind, the time is now right for us to move forward,” Mayal said to PTI.

Jyoti Mayal, the President of TAAI, emphasized the similarities between India and Sri Lanka, noting their shared food, language, culture, and dresses. “Tourism builds bridges between communities and countries. We at TAAI support Sri Lanka in its efforts to revive tourism, above and beyond this convention,” Mayal declared.

SLTPB Chairman, Chalaka Gajabahu, thanked TAAI for selecting Sri Lanka as the host country for the convention. He emphasized the growing partnership between both sides, which he said is vital to reviving their tourism sector.

He informed that Sri Lanka Tourism has announced a transformative strategy that will see an investment of Rs. 1.4 billion over the next 12 months, beginning at the end of July. This initiative marks a fresh approach to destination marketing that includes two robust domestic campaigns.

“We are setting our sights high, aiming to attract between 1.55 to 2 million tourists this year. Given our strategic planning and commitment, we are confident in reaching this ambitious target,” Gajabahu affirmed.

Gajabahu also announced that the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is poised to roll out its rejuvenation campaign by the end of July. The two-month-long initiative will be followed by a thematic campaign set to launch in late September or early October. Both campaigns aim to shed light on Sri Lanka’s unique charm and captivating experiences to a global audience.

“As we gear up to launch our rejuvenation campaign and more promotional activities, the key role of India and strategic partnerships between the two countries cannot be overstated. Such collaboration will be vital in spearheading a successful recovery for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry,” said Gajabahu.

Key markets for these campaigns include India, China, the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Australia, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, the US, the Middle East, Japan and Korea. However, continuous promotions will also be conducted simultaneously in other markets.

Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) President, Nishad Wijetunga, expressed his pleasure in partnering with the upcoming event. He stated, “This serves as an ideal opportunity for our industry to interact with the Indian travel trade. It is also a great platform for Sri Lanka to showcase our offerings and provide a firsthand experience of our current situation, demonstrating our strong recovery and resilience.”

“Our convention will serve as a conduit for fostering stronger bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. Such interaction is vital in harnessing the growth of inbound and outbound travel from India and channelling it towards destinations that offer new, exciting experiences,” said TAAI Vice-President Jay Bhatia to PTI.

Sri Lanka experienced a significant surge in international tourist arrivals in 2022, with a 270.2% increase compared to 2021, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). As the nation seeks to revitalize its economy, comprehensive efforts are being undertaken in the tourism sector.

Regarded as a significant event in the Indian Travel and Tourism industry, the TAAI Conventions (Indian Travel Congress) presented delegates with unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, promoting, and trading. TAAI, renowned for its extensive reach in aviation, MICE, adventure tourism, sports tourism, education, and more, offered unparalleled leadership to the burgeoning industry.

Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives

The theme for this year’s convention was ‘Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives.’ A TAAI official highlighted that hosting the event in Sri Lanka provided a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the travel industry and to explore the beautiful country.

Top executives from leading luxury hotel groups, airlines, and travel firms were among those scheduled to participate in the convention, TAAI officials stated. Notably, Arvind Singh, India’s former Tourism Secretary, was a featured speaker at the event.

Convention business sessions covered a range of compelling topics, including ‘India Tourism Vision 2047: A Transformed Landscape of Experiences and Connections’, ‘The Boundless Potential of the Skies’, ‘Differentiating Travel – Perspectives from Industry Experts’, and ‘Transcending Borders – Strengthening International Relations for a Transformed World’, among others.

Jyoti Mayal underscored the critical role of transcending borders in travel and personal growth. She drew attention to tourism’s transformative potential in driving prosperity, peace, and economic development across nations. “As the industry evolves, our minds must evolve too. We need to focus on growth and embrace the future to transform lives,” Mayal declared.

Spanning two days, the convention explored various topics related to transcending borders. Industry experts such as Arvind Singh, Madhavan Menon, Nipun Agarwal, and K.B. Kachru, among others, delivered speeches on diverse subjects. The convention also saw the participation of significant industry experts including Ashish Gupta, Pieter Elbers, Amitabh Khosla, Praveen Iyer, and many more.

Mayal brought attention to the immense potential of the Indian market as a globally sought-after destination for outbound travel. The Convention in Colombo offered a unique opportunity to discover emerging trends, exchange insights, and collaborate towards a future where travel truly transforms lives. “As delegates gather in Colombo, let us seize this occasion to embrace these trends and work together toward a more interconnected and transformative travel industry,” Mayal urged.

Aligning with Sri Lankan Airlines’ regional strategy, the primary theme of the 2023 TAAI conference aimed to strengthen the regional tourism industry. Dimuthu Thennakone, Head of International Sales and Distribution at Sri Lankan Airlines, expressed the airline’s ambition to bolster relations with India, specifically focusing on leisure and MICE tourists. He emphasized the airlines’ future plan to expand flight operations to several other Indian cities and their enthusiasm to partner with the TAAI Association to further boost tourism activities between the two nations.

On the convention’s concluding day, a special address was delivered by Harin Fernando, the Minister of Tourism and Lands, Sri Lanka, as confirmed by the TAAI.

Mayal, pointed out that the Indian market is undoubtedly poised to become one of the most sought-after markets globally due to its enormous potential for outbound travel.

“As we all prepared to gather in Colombo, we saw this as an opportunity to explore these trends, share our insights, and work collectively to shape a future where travel transcends borders and truly transforms lives,” Mayal stated.

A spectacular three-day Indian Travel Congress

The historic BMICH venue witnessed the Opening Ceremony with vibrant cultural performances by a troupe of artists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Additionally, a video presentation by the SLTPB outlined the Sri Lankan government’s vision to revitalize the tourism sector and restore it to full operation.

Officials confirmed that the 67th Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) convention was one of the major large-scale events in the tourism sector in the island nation, following the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic and political crisis of 2022.

As the convention progressed, industry professionals and experts engaged in fruitful discussions, fostering stronger partnerships and paving the way for a prosperous tourism industry in both nations.

Additionally, the two-day business session and Buyer-Seller Meet unfolded across the Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Shangri-La Colombo hotels. Jay Bhatia, Vice President of TAAI, echoed the importance of the convention in cementing stronger bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka. With about 200 Sri Lankan tourism stakeholders participating in the B2B sessions, the convention provided a perfect platform for networking and establishing rewarding business relations.

The spectacular three-day Indian Travel Congress culminated with a Gala dinner held at the Heritance Negombo with a breathtaking display of fireworks, and a cultural feast of music and dance performances featuring renowned Bollywood numbers performed in the Sinhala language.

In her closing address, Mayal asked the TAAI delegates to commit to encouraging tourism in Sri Lanka, both individually and institutionally. She praised the convention, themed ‘Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives,’ as a “resounding success.”

Overall, the 67th TAAI Convention demonstrated a commitment to fostering tourism and strengthening the bond between India and Sri Lanka.

Post-convention tours, organized by SLAITO member companies, offered delegates an immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s picturesque destinations, including Bentota, Galle, and Kandy. TAAI teamed up with four airlines for the event: SriLankan Airlines, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara.

Sri Lanka: A Beacon for North and South Indian Tourists With Its Spiritual Trails

Sri Lanka, a country revered for its rich spiritual heritage, has been attracting North Indian tourists with its well-known Ramayana Trail. Last year, Sri Lanka Tourism introduced the “Murugan Trail,” tailored for South Indians. This trail includes approximately ten sites of worship, spanning from the northern reaches of the island to its southern tip. Highlighting locations like the Jaffna Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and the Kataragama or Kadirgamam Murugan Temple, it caters to the reverence for Lord Shiva, a primary deity among the South Indian community.

India and Sri Lanka have been bound together by a legacy exceeding 2,500 years, encompassing shared aspects of history, culture, religion, spirituality, and language.

67th TAAI Conference in Colombo: Key Highlights

The 67th Convention of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) wrapped up successfully on July 9 in Colombo, marking an impressive gathering of industry professionals, government officials, and various stakeholders from both India and Sri Lanka.

Key Highlights :

• Leading Regional Travel Event: With over 500 participants and the presence of 50 media personnel from India, the Convention reinforced its status as a leading travel event in the region, attracting industry professionals in pursuit of networking, knowledge-sharing, and partnership-building opportunities.
• India as Sri Lanka’s Primary Tourism Market: Last year saw India emerge as the leading source market for tourism to Sri Lanka, thereby underlining the critical nature of cooperation and collaboration between the two nations in the travel industry. The TAAI Convention played an instrumental role in promoting this relationship.
• A platform for Mutual Business Opportunities: The Convention served as an avenue for stakeholders of the Indian and Sri Lankan travel industries to explore promising business prospects, fostering robust partnerships and cooperation to bolster bilateral ties.
• Insightful Sessions: A variety of thought-provoking sessions on relevant topics, such as India’s 2047 tourism vision, the rise of experiential travel, the importance of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and evolving digital opportunities in the travel sector, graced the convention’s agenda.
• Knowledge-Sharing and Collaboration: Industry leaders and travel professionals from both countries had the chance to exchange expertise and insights, further solidifying networking opportunities and fostering mutual growth.
• Strengthening Bilateral Tourism Relations: The TAAI Convention aimed to deepen cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the realm of tourism. By enhancing bilateral relations and promoting mutual growth, it endeavoured to strengthen the ties between the two nations.

The 67th TAAI Conference in Colombo effectively forged lasting connections, opened avenues for future collaborations, and presented comprehensive insights into the tourism industry’s current trends and challenges.

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Commitments:.

• Encourage partners in the supply chain and at destination level to join the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative. More specifically, as an Association of Travel agents of India, the organization represents a broad network of companies operating in India. Within this framework, by joining GTPI, TAAI is committing to the promotion of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and solutions developed within its framework in the network of their tour operators. The organization commits to bringing at least 1500 tour operators as signatories of GTPI by 2025.
• Promote solutions, tools, methodologies and recommendations on circular economy of plastics and on reduction of plastic pollution (including tools developed by the GTPI) within their network of tour agencies through trainings, newsletters, knowledge forums & TAAI social media platforms.
• Communicate successes to partners, suppliers, travellers, and key local stakeholders. More specifically, TAAI will develop a communication strategy on social networks to ensure that GTPI and its solutions are promoted in organization’s network of tour agencies and will incentivize its partners to implement impactful solutions.
• Publicly report on implementation of commitments above.

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Taai fee for ’21 down 40%.

May 10, 2021 Associations , In-the-Issue

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has reduced the renewal of its annual membership for 2021-22 by 40 per cent for its members in view of the current situation.

In a bid to help its member base in any way it can given the current situation, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has reviewed its annual membership subscription renewal for the year 2021-22. It has decided to reduce its renewal fee by 40 per cent for all its active, associate and allied members. The rebated annual membership subscription shall be only applicable if the same is paid and credited to the TAAI account latest by 31 May, 2021. Thereafter normal annual fees shall be payable.

Jyoti Mayal, President of TAAI, said, “The second wave seems to be spreading unabatedly and the travel and tourism business has not seen major recovery.We understand the challenges, the pain and the frustration our members are facing during these difficult times. This is the time when we need to give some respite, especially amidst the second wave. So our leadership team decided to give 40 per cent discount to members on membership renewal. It’s not a big amount but it’s just a way to say that we are there for our members. With rising infections, we are actually back to ground zero. there is limited business right now for members. We want to motivate our members, do more outreach with them so that we can support them. Educating the staff is really important. We will look forward to doing more webinars on how to cope up with the pandemic. We have to stay together at this time and move forward with positive thought process.”

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• Conventions & their outcomes: How travel trade associations are stepping up?

Travel trade associations' conventions have traditionally been platforms for industry players to connect and exchange ideas. While this remains a crucial aspect, the purpose of these events is evolving. Conventions now serve as accelerators for innovation, providing a space for the discussion of trends, technologies, and strategies that can redefine the industry.

• Manas Dwivedi ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Oct 13, 2023 at 06:53 PM IST

PATA Travel Mart 2023: A hit or a miss?

For all the anticipation that had been building up for months for the Ministry of Tourism hosted 46th PATA Travel Mart 2023, held in New Delhi, the event failed to live up to the hype. Disappointment hung heavy as many participants grappled with mismanagement issues and higher delegate entry fee. Could this be an opportunity lost for the industry that was looking to establish key connections?

• By Manas Dwivedi ,
• Published On Oct 13, 2023 at 06:49 PM IST

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The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) was established in 1986. It is a dynamic organisation that guides the travel industry in India. It is a professional body of travel agents coordinating different segments of the travel trade and is a non-political, non-commercial and not-for-profit body.

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TAFI represents the travel trade before official bodies of government, airlines and other appropriate forums. It ensures healthy growth of the travel industry by promoting mutual cooperation among TAFI members and by introducing schemes that would benefit TAFI members as well as provide mutually beneficial alternatives to the airline industry.

TAFI augments the development of the travel industry in India by encouraging improvement in the standard of service, inculcating professionalism and spreading awareness and updated information on travel and regulations. It protects the interests of those engaged in the industry by highlighting the need to maintain high ethical standards and ensuring compliance of rules, regulations and guidelines set by the consulates, government authorities and airlines.

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• Odisha Ecotourism Workshop on Wednesday, 24th October 2018 
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Hit by boycott, Maldives reaches out to India for tourism boost

Maldives' tourist association expressed its intention to collaborate closely with the indian high commission to bolster tourism initiatives..

• Updated Apr 11, 2024, 9:09 PM IST

As the number of Indian tourists to the Maldives continues to decline, the island country's tour and travel association has reached out to India to arrest the further slide. The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) met Munu Mahawar, the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives on Monday "to explore collaborative efforts in tourism promotion". 

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The association expressed its intention to collaborate closely with the Indian High Commission to bolster tourism initiatives. "Plans are underway to launch a comprehensive roadshow across key cities in India and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the forthcoming months," it said. 

The number of Indian tourists, who ranked among the top sources for tourism for Male in the last few years, plunged after January when now three suspended ministers made derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he pitched Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. The insulting comments against India and PM Modi did not go down well with a section of people and organisations, who started "BoycottMaldives" campaign on social media.

Within weeks, from being the top tourist group visiting the Maldives, Indians slipped to fifth position in the last three weeks of January. In the last three years, over 2 lakh Indians visited Maldives annually - the highest from any country post-Covid. Over 17 lakh tourists visited Maldives in 2023, of which the maximum were Indians (2,09,198) followed by Russians (2,09,146) and Chinese (1,87,118). The number of Indian visitors to Maldives was more than 2.4 lakh in 2022 and over 2.11 lakh in 2021. 

As per the latest data till April 8, tourists from India to Maldives slipped to the sixth position. So far, only 36,840 tourists visited the island nation, a sharp decline compared to similar months in previous years.

Maldives' tour association in a statement said that "India remains a vital market" for Maldivian tourism and it looks forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the island nation as a premier travel destination.

"The Association is confident with the support from the industry and the Government agencies, Maldives can regain the current decline in Indian tourists," it said.  

MATATO said India's burgeoning middle class is anticipated to spend a substantial $144 billion annually on international travel by the year 2030, drawing significant interest and investment from global players in the hospitality, airline, and tourism industries. 

According to Euromonitor, it said, the number of outbound Indian travelers is expected to double to 47 million by 2030, with their spending projected to increase from $35 billion in 2019 to an impressive $84 billion by 2030. 

"This growth trajectory positions India to ascend to the sixth-largest outbound travel market globally by 2030, trailing only China, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and France."

The association said industry reports forecast robust expansion in Indian outbound travel, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent through 2032, closely mirroring Euromonitor's predictions. This surge in outbound tourism, it added, has led to a fervent pursuit of Indian tourists by top destinations such as Dubai and prominent airlines like Qatar Airways, leveraging the star power of Bollywood icons. 

In February this year, Dubai rolled out a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indians to "bolster travel between India and Dubai, to foster sustained economic collaborations and encourage tourism and business ties." 

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Maldives to Hold Road Shows in India to Woo Tourists Back

I n an apparent bid to woo Indian tourists back to the Maldives, a major tourism body here has announced that it will hold road shows across key Indian cities. As the number of Indian tourists to the Maldives continues to decline, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) held discussions with India’s High Commissioner, Munu Mahawar, on enhancing travel and tourism cooperation between the two countries.

A full-blown backlash was directed at the Maldives following derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media by three Maldivian officials after Modi posted photos and video of the pristine Lakshadweep Islands on India’s west coast on January 6 on his X handle.

Scores of Indians, including multiple celebrities, cancelled their reservations and dropped plans to visit Maldives. The tourism arrival statistics reflected how from being a top visitor country, India’s position went down to first fifth and now at the sixth position after January.

According to the statistics by the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, this year as of April 10, of the total 6,63,269 tourists arriving, China continued to lead with 71,995, followed by the United Kingdom (66,999), Russia (66,803), Italy (61,379), Germany (52,256) and India (37,417). After discussions took place at a meeting held at the Indian High Commission in Male, MATATO said in a statement that they expressed their intention to collaborate closely with the Indian High Commission in Maldives to bolster tourism initiatives, Sun.mv news portal reported.

In this trajectory, plans are currently underway to launch comprehensive road shows across key Indian cities and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the upcoming months, it said quoting from the statement. While India remains a crucial tourist market to the Maldives, MATATO states they look forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination, it said.

The Association also attributed its meeting with the Indian High Commissioner as a testament to MATATO’s continued dedication to fostering robust tourism ties between the Maldives and India, which it said, will pave the way for transformative collaborations to drive sustainable growth in the region’s tourism sector. Earlier before this diplomatic row erupted, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu had, within hours of taking oath last November, asked India to withdraw its 88 military personnel from the country, saying their presence was a threat to his country’s sovereignty.

Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, has announced that no Indian military personnel, even in civilian clothes, would be present in Maldives after all of 88 personnel are repatriated by May 10.

Maldives Tries to Win Back Indian Tourists As Arrivals Fall 40%

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 16th, 2024 at 9:11 AM EDT

While Maldives enjoys record-breaking arrivals, its tourism companies aren't about to let the Indian market keep falling. They're on a mission to reverse the trend.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators is determined to increase Indian arrivals to the island destination and is taking steps to achieve this.

“Indian arrivals to the Maldives have gone down by almost 40%,” said Abdulla Ghiyas, the association’s president, in an exclusive interview with Skift.

In early January, #BoycottMaldives started trending in Indian social media following a diplomatic dispute between the two countries. Indians accused Maldivian politicians of making disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As a result, India, which was the number 2 source market for Maldives, has now fallen to number 6 . India’s share of visitors had been almost 11% – it has shrunk to 5.6%.

Promotions in Indian Cities

Ghiyas said the association will be hosting roadshows in 3 Indian cities in July and confirmed to Skift that one of the cities would be Bengaluru.

The association also plans to engage with Indian social media influencers. “We also want to see how we can work with the tourism board in Maldives as we have partnered with them in the past as well. There are talks that the tourism board is also planning of doing something in India,” Ghiyas said.

At the July roadshows, he said he’s keen to look at cities that have direct connectivity with Maldives.

Ghiyas expressed a desire to have conducted the roadshow earlier, noting that May is when Indian outbound travel peaks. However, he mentioned plans for another round of roadshows towards the end of the year, aiming to include Tier 2 cities. “Even if they lack direct flights to the Maldives, these cities would represent an important market for us,” he said.

Maldives has so far received (from January 1-April 15) 693,867 tourists, up from 606,395 arrivals for the same period last year, as per the latest data from the Maldives tourism ministry.

China is the top source market for the island destination, followed by UK and Russia.

Between January 1-April 15, almost 39,000 Indians visited Maldives, a decline of almost 40%, compared to the 64,250 arrivals for the same period last year.

“We might not talk immediately about the growth scenario, but I would definitely like to see the 40% decline narrow down,” Ghiyas said.

Can’t Ignore India

While Maldives has experienced record-breaking tourism arrivals so far, Ghiyas said it still needs India. “There are properties and resorts that rely heavily on the Indian market, which have been severely affected. This will hurt us in the long term and that is why we have decided to engage with the India market.”

Aminath Suzan, CEO of Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, pointed to cultural ties, such as similarities in food, language, and pop culture. “We must ensure that unrelated matters do not negatively impact the bond, for which we have dedicated years and built this alliance.”

MATATO Meets with Indian High Commissioner to Foster Tourism Cooperation The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) engaged in a productive meeting with His Excellency Munu Mahawar, the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, to explore collaborative… pic.twitter.com/PNXiy3QdVz — MATATO – PATA Maldives Chapter (@matatoMV) April 9, 2024

The association members also recently met with Munu Mahawar, the Indian high commissioner in Maldives, to collaborate closely with his office to boost tourism initiatives.

Dubbing the meeting with Mahawar “positive,” Ghiyas said the high commission has offered assistance to the association. “Once we have a concrete plan, we will definitely follow up with the High Commission and share our plans.”

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Tags: asia monthly , china , india outbound , islands , maldives , social media , tourism marketing

Photo credit: Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands. Fari Islands

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Roadshow, influencer, media trips: How Maldives aims to deal with 'current decline in Indian tourists'

The maldives association of travel agents and tour operators (matato) aims to boost tourism ties with india by launching roadshows and media trips..

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) aims to enhance travel and tourism between the Maldives and India. The travel body had last week met the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives in a bid to foster “robust tourism ties" between the two countries. The association also shared its strategy to "bolster tourism initiatives".

"The recent meeting with the Indian High Commissioner signifies MATATO's continued dedication to fostering robust tourism ties between the Maldives and India , paving the way for transformative collaborations that will drive sustainable growth in the region's tourism sector," the MATATO said in a post on X on April 9.

MATATO's statement and meeting with the Indian envoy came at a time when tourism from India to Maldives has continued to decline significantly since January this year.

How Maldives aim to ‘regain decline in Indian tourists’

MATATO said on April 9 that plans are underway to launch a comprehensive roadshow across key cities in India . There are also plans to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the coming months.

The Maldives' travel body said it looks forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further "promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination".

ALSO READ: After ‘disrespectful’ post on the Indian flag, Maldivian politician says sorry, ‘will be more vigilant…’

"...The Association is confident [that] with the support from the industry and the government agencies, Maldives can regain the current decli ne in Indian tourists," the MATATO added.

'India remains vital market for Maldivian tourism'

The MATATO said on X that India remains a vital market for Maldivian tourism. It noted that India's burgeoning middle class is anticipated to spend a substantial $144 billion annually on international travel by the year 2030.

The MATATO cited Euromonitor's data as showing that the number of outbound Indian travellers is expected to double to 47 million by 2030 . Moreover, their spending is projected to increase from $35 billion in 2019 to $84 billion by 2030.

"This growth trajectory positions India to ascend to the sixth-largest outbound travel market globally by 2030, trailing only China, the US, the UK, Germany, and France," the MATATO added.

But Maldives saw a decline in Indian tourists

The number of Indian tourists travelling to Maldives fell significantly this year, as per daily report revealed by the Maldives' Ministry of Tourism.

The decline was witnessed following a controversy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshwadeep , the 'Boycott Maldives' trend and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu asking India to withdraw its military troops stationed in the island nation.

The drop was so much so that India's position on Maldives' top tourism market charts plunged from first to sixth spot . Subsequently, China climbed up the chart to achieve the top spot in the Maldives tourism market.

India Vs China in Maldives

On December 31, 2023, tourists from India formed the highest — 11.1 percent — of the total market share of the Maldives tourism sector. India was at the first spot back then, according to the data revealed by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism.

ALSO READ: Indian vs Chinese tourists in Maldives: The rise and fall in last 10 years

Later on January 2, the share dropped to 7.1 percent and by April 10, it further fell to 5.6 percent. As of April 10, India was in the sixth position on the Maldives Top 10 Market list, according to the daily report published by the Maldives' ministry.

Meanwhile, China, which was in the third spot with 10 percent market share on December 31, topped the chart on April 10, with 10.9 percent market share.

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'The spiraling cost of democracy': India's election expenses hit new heights

KOCHI: Indian elections are akin to a grand festival, with elaborate ‘rituals’ stretching over the days leading up to the D-Day.   

The list of activities and tangibles in this extravaganza is a long one: posters, hoardings, banners, leaflets, tableaux, processions, street plays, family gatherings, conventions, and, of course, the candidates’ open-jeep tours of their constituencies. 

The expenditure on these varies, depending on the party’s and candidate’s budgets. However, it’s certain that campaign expenses as well as illegal incentives offered to voters in the form of cash and goods have been surging. 

According to Delhi-based think tank CMS, the 2019 general election in India was the most expensive one ever recorded globally, with a total spend of about Rs 55,000-60,000 crore. The election process lasted nearly 75 days, with polling conducted in seven phases. 

Analysts have no doubt that the current one will surpass the record.  

A senior Congress leader told TNIE that expenditures shoot up in the final days leading to the polls, based on the intensity of the competition. He noted that there were 1,200 to 1,300 booths in each Lok Sabha constituency of Kerala. The district units of parties provide campaign materials, and cover expenses on logistics, manpower, refreshments, etc. 

“We have to provide each candidate with 70,000 to 1,35,000 posters for a single round in one Lok Sabha seat, and there can be up to six or seven rounds,” he said. 

“Additionally, there are family meetings. Squads of three-four party members visit houses. These members have to be given a daily allowance.” 

The leader highlighted that, nowadays, a heavy chunk is spent on digital campaigns. “This is mostly managed by the central leadership, or the candidates who can afford it,” he added. 

“The amount spent by a party candidate in a constituency, on an average, can be 7-12 times more than the Rs 95 lakh prescribed by the Election Commission. Some candidates spend up to Rs 50 crore.” 

A study by the Association for Democratic Reforms and the National Election Watch found that the main categories under which political parties declared their expenses were publicity, travel, other/miscellaneous, and the spend on candidates.

In the 2004, 2009, and 2014 Lok Sabha elections (combined), national parties spent 50.58% of their total expenditure on publicity, 19.68% on travel expenses, 15.43% on candidates, and 14.31% on other expenses. 

Over the 10-year period, expenditure on publicity increased by 641%, travel by 802%, and the spend on candidates by 416%.

Political observer N M Pearson said candidates of mainstream parties spend at least Rs 20 crore each during general elections, and this amount seemed to be on the rise.

“A politically aware society would detest the influence of money power. They would vote based on the political views of the candidates,” he said. 

“When society moves away from political awareness, money power starts to dominate. Voters start accepting money and gifts for votes. Although Kerala is currently safe from such practices, going by the current trends, I foresee a downfall.” 

Notably, a survey conducted by the department of political science of Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, found that the use of money power in elections was indeed increasing. However, the study noted that citizens were concerned about its impact.

“People recognise that candidates spend far more money in elections than the legal limits prescribed by the Election Commission,” said Prof. Pramod C R, who was part of the study.

“Participants in the survey welcomed the Supreme Court order on electoral bonds. They are aware that money power is corrupting the system.” 

Economic impact

Barna Ganguli of the Bihar Institute of Public Finance and Policy noted that elections “generate income for people in the informal sector”. She added the sudden flurry of political activity and increased cash flow during elections, though not immediately apparent, contributed incrementally to the country’s overall economy. “A significant amount of money is spent on ads during elections. This injects cash into the economy,” Barna said. “Additionally, political parties hire analysts, consultants, content creators, etc., during election season. This, again, means an increase in money flow. Moreover, the government spends substantial sums on security, logistics, and administration during elections.”

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