Sunil Kumar R, President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), has been re-elected as the Global President of the United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA) for the term 2025-2026. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding UFTAA through its Diamond Jubilee celebrations (1966-2026), marking six decades of contributions to the global travel and tourism industry.
Kumar’s re-election was confirmed during UFTAA’s Annual General Assembly, held on March 27, 2025. As the head of the international confederation, he will oversee UFTAA’s mission to unify travel agencies, promote sustainable tourism, and advocate for the interests of the global travel industry.
Headquartered in Monaco, UFTAA serves as a vital networking platform for industry stakeholders worldwide. Under Kumar’s leadership, the organization is set to embark on a new phase of expansion, with strategic initiatives planned for its landmark 60th anniversary in 2026.
Alongside Kumar, UFTAA’s newly elected Board for 2025-2026 comprises industry leaders from eleven countries, ensuring a global perspective on travel and tourism development. The Board members are:
· Yossi Fatael (Israel) – Vice President, Aviation & IATA Matters
· Cetin Gurcun (Turkey) – Vice President, Tourism
· William D’Souza (Canada) – Vice President, Finance
· Varsha Ramchurn (Mauritius) – Director
· Joseph Kithitu (Kenya) – Director
· Duminda Kuruwitaarchchi (Sri Lanka) – Director
· Joe Borg Oliver (Malta) – Director
· Mariegel Manotok (Philippines) – Director
· Moustafa Khataw (Tanzania) – Director
· Bernard Borry (Switzerland) – Director
The 2026 Diamond Jubilee will be a landmark occasion for UFTAA. The newly appointed Board is already strategizing for an expansive global event, featuring initiatives aimed at strengthening international collaborations, advocating for sustainable travel, and launching new programs to empower travel agencies worldwide.