One of India’s premier and largest travel Trade association, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) recently conducted its Tourism Conclave from 9th to 12th March, 2021 at Statue of Unity, Kevadia, Gujarat. The event was organised in association with Gujarat Tourism. Members from 20 Regions and Chapters across India participated in the 3 nights/4 days conclave.
The event was organised to educate the travel trade members and promote Gujarat as a tourism destination for domestic as well as inbound markets, stated TAAI President, Jyoti Mayal. Members of the trade are going through challenging times due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the event gave them an opportunity to explore and transform, she stated.
Member delegates experienced the accommodation and facilities at Tent City 1 and Tent City 2 at Kevadia along with evening dinner cruise along the River Narmada with dinner in two groups.
Sightseeing of the tallest statue in the world at Statue of Unity (SoU), Jungle Safari, Sardar Sarovar Dam Project, Valley of Flowers, Cactus & Butterfly Garden was undertaken. Delegates also visited the five gardens inside Arogya Van (Herbal Garden), which exhibits a wide range of medicinal plants and health related landscapes.
Members also visited the cultural shopping arena of Ekta Mall in the SoU region. This initiative of TAAI ensured that members are familiarised with the region to promote Dekho Apna Desh and revive the promotion of domestic and inbound tourism through skilling and personal experiencing, stated Vice President, Jay Bhatia.
A half day business session was organised on 11th March, 2021 which was addressed by Minister of Tourism, Government of India, Prahlad Singh Patel, via a video message. He welcomed the initiative of India’s largest and premier travel- tourism association, TAAI, which has set an historic example of positivity in the present challenging time.
Jenu Devan, Commissioner of Tourism and MD-Gujarat Tourism addressed the conclave via live video call wherein he highlighted the initiatives of the government in promoting Gujarat to the world and thanked the TAAI committee for bringing their members to SoU, in Gujarat and also assured full support and encouragement to the members in promoting Gujarat as a holistic tourist destination.
Hony. Secretary General, TAAI, Bettaiah Lokesh gave an overview of the business sessions stating that the conclave was an eye-opener and vision for members on domestic tourism.
A panel discussion moderated by Vice President Jay Bhatia on Bharat ka Vikas – Empowering Domestic Tourism, had panelists like Dr. Achyut Singh, Jt. General Manager- Indian Railways (IRCTC) who spoke about connecting tourist upto the list mile and how TAAI members could promote rail packages to travellers across India.
A presentation was also made by Dr Singh for members to register and connect with IRCTC. Ajay Kumar Wadhawan, Chief of Sales at Air Asia India participated in the panel citing views of newer airports and air connectivity across smaller airports in India as well.
Past President of TAAI, Balbir Mayal shared his views on the changing dynamics in the travel and tourism field of the last few decades and how India will be a top tourist destination in the world with the joint initiatives of TAAI on skilling and educational capabilities with state tourism boards, airlines, railways etc.
This was followed by a discussion on “Where Winners Play” a panel moderated by Ashish Gupta, Founder – Strategy Pluto and Consulting CEO of FAITH. A healthy debate with IATA and its functioning was held with Rodney Dcruz, Asst. Director IATA who presented the views, perceptions and future of IATA.
Sunil Kumar Rumalla, President of UFTAA presented a global view of the challenges faced by travel agents across the world and made suggestive recommendations to IATA so as to ensure survival of the airlines as well as the agents.
Appreciating the efforts and initiative of Gujarat Government and Gujarat Tourism to invite TAAI and its members to SoU, Hony. National Treasurer-TAAI, Shreeram Patel in his vote of thanks emphasised TAAI’s role in growth and development of the trade. He thanked the vision of Gujarat’s Minister of Tourism, Jawahar Bhai Chavda, who along with Principal Secretary Tourism – Gujarat, Mamta Verma, Commissioner Tourism and MD of Gujarat Tourism, Jenu Devan and Nirav Munshi – Manager Commercial (Travel & Marketing) along with other officials offered full support to TAAI. He also thanks Indigo Airlines who were the sole airline which ensured delegates from every corner of India connected to Gujarat for this conclave.