The 66th Convention & Exhibition of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), which was scheduled to be held from 19-22 April 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka has been postponed.
Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said, “We had an overwhelming response to the convention registrations which had crossed the 500 registration mark. Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), along with Sri Lankan Airlines and, the Hotels in Colombo, were eager to host us for the convention, as was TAAI.
“The current economic and political situation in the island nation, whereby there is a shortage of fuel, power, gas, the daily consumer needs along with the political unrest and treason in parts of the country, has compelled us to postpone the convention in Colombo.”
TAAI in a press statement has said that the association will continue to stand strong and committed to its counterparts in Sri Lanka to revive tourism as soon as the opportunity arises by rescheduling the convention.
“We received numerous calls, and communications from our member delegates, invitees and stakeholders that the sentiment to travel to Sri Lanka at this time would not only burden our Sri Lankan friends but also on the uncertainty on the hosting of the convention in Colombo,” added Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI.
TAAI is in constant touch with the stakeholder partners and the hosts in Sri Lanka who continue to assuring their fullest support to hold the 66th Convention.
Bettaiah Lokesh, HSG, TAAI said, “As per the feedback and suggestions received, the Managing Committee of TAAI has decided to postpone the 66th Convention to a future date, which shall be communicated to all in due course, once the situation in Sri Lanka regularises.”
“We have always maintained that tourism is a catalyst that bridges the gap between nations and economies, and we assure you all that as soon as the situation in Sri Lanka comes back to normal, new dates for a grander convention shall be announced in association with SLTPB and SLAITO,” added Shreeram Patel, Honorary National Treasurer of TAAI.