The controversy surrounding the self-styled ‘sting operation’ conducted by a Gujarat based travel agent affiliated to Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) on an office bearer of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) seems not to be ebbing.
In a recent press release issued on behalf of TAFI, the association has said that it not clear why TAAI President is deflecting this matter and making it a matter of affiliations. “This is highly misconstrued, when in fact the matter of concern is on how tickets under Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) are being distributed,” the press release stressed.
While commenting on TAFI’s statement asking TAAI not to turn VBM ticket issue as a matter of affiliations, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI told Travel Trade Insider, “Yes, our focus is on airlines and industry issues, resetting common goals for the trade and we would also appreciate if associations work in a way that their strength and their voice doesn’t get diluted.”
For the uninitiated, the audio recording circulated on social media platforms showed the lack of transparency in the distribution of air tickets being issued under the Indian government’s VBM initiative. Air India is operating repatriation flights on various international sectors under the mission. It also highlighted that the travel agent in question was offering air tickets at a high premium, which is against Air India’s directive and ethical business practices.
TAAI had since then taken disciplinary action against its northern region office bearer and in a letter to TAFI also communicated that few Gujarat based members of their association have been trying to bring disrepute to TAAI.
“There is no rift between TAFI and TAAI. The audio clip was a mere business communication between two travel agents and it has nothing to do with their affiliations. Air India should conduct a transparent investigation to find the source of seats being available to select agencies and not the entire IATA fraternity,” said Pradip Lulla, Acting President, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) while speaking to Travel Trade Insider.
“We as travel agents are unable to book tickets for our clients as they get sold out as soon as the booking window opens. Moreover, there are limited sectors on which we can make a booking. It is important that there is a transparent system in place, while distributing tickets under VBM,” added Lulla.
The VBM issue has also highlighted the lack of a platform to bring different associations together and solve mutual issues despite the formation of Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) – a body that positions itself as the policy federation of all the national associations.
On the other hand, in the wake of a few incidents where travel agents were found to be offering tickets at a high premium, Air India had warned consumers not to buy tickets from travel agents that are overpriced than rates published on the national carrier’s website.
TAAI in a strongly worded letter written to Civil Aviation Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri and Chairman & Managing Director, Air India, Rajiv Bansal had asked to withdraw such posts on social media.
“At this juncture, where economies are trying to revive and come back on their feet, Air India continues to play monopolistic. After our repeated request to your good-selves, agents were permitted to book on the GDS, but now inventories have been blocked and selective sectors are only being permitted. This is totaally unfair and biased,” read the communication.