TAAI conducts ‘Tourism Conclave’ at Statue of Unity in Gujarat
India’s premier and largest Travel-Tourism Association, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), conducted a Tourism Conclave from 9th to 12th March 2021 at the Statue of Unity (SoU) in Kevadia, Gujarat. This was organised in association with Gujarat Tourism. Members from 20 Regions and Chapters across India participated in the four-day event at Kevadia. The TAAI conclave is the second big travel trade event to be held in Kevadia this season. Earlier in February, ADTOI had organised its annual conference in Kevadia.
With an aim to revive domestic tourism and build confidence among the travel fraternity, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) recently concluded ‘Tourism Conclave’ at Tent City in Kevadia, Gujarat. The conclave was a perfect mix of networking sessions, destination tours, and panel discussions.
A half-day business session was organised on 11th March 2021 which was addressed by Hon. Minister of Tourism, Govt 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 a historic example of positivity due to the changing times. He also said that TAAI membership had all the qualities and aspects of professional tourism services, and in the coming future the responsibility and challenges shall increase when inbound tourist commence their India visits. TAAI members must be ready with newer ideas and strategies to ensure Tourism in India is smoothly facilitated by them.
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 wholesome destination.
Hon. Secretary-General, Bettaiah Lokesh gave an overview of the business sessions stating that the inaugural address was an eye-opener and vision for members on Domestic Tourism by President Jyoti Mayal. A panel discussion moderated by Vice President Jay Bhatia on Bharat ka Vikas – Empowering Domestic Tourism, had panelists like Achyut Singh Jt. General ManagerIndian Railways (IRCTC) who spoke about connecting tourist up to the last mile and how TAAI members could promote rail packages to travellers across India.
A presentation was also made by 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 gave his views on the changing dynamics in the travel and tourism field of the last few decades and how India shall 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 and CEO of FAITH. A healthy debate with IATA and its functioning was had with Rodney Dcruz, Asst. Director IATA presented the views,
perceptions and future of IATA. Lokesh Bettaiah represented TAAI and was vocal in representing the core issues of the membership with IATA and the airlines. Sunil Kumar Rumalla, President of UFTAA, gave a global view of the challenges faced by agents across the world with IATA and made suggestive recommendations to IATA to ensure the survival of the airlines as well as the agents.
A discussion moderated by Amish Desai, TAAI Karnataka Chapter Chairman along with Parineeta Sethi, Chief Editor & Publisher of Pinnacle Connect, a leading media company in wellness and luxury with Vasudha Sondhi, MD, OMPL Group. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) also participated in the panel discussing ‘Customer satisfaction in Tourism through Technology, Marketing and Skilling’. With their expertise in sales, marketing, PR and social media, technology and skill development, the panelist suggested how today’s evolving TAAI member must pursue and be empowered with all the skills apart from delivery of service. Mayal also updated on the upcoming initiatives of WITT (Women in TAAI and Travel), where TAAI shall give back to society and empower the women to become entrepreneurs through skilling and work towards making India safe and secure tourism destination.
Appreciating the efforts and initiative of Gujarat Government and Gujarat Tourism to invite TAAI and its members to SoU, Hon. National Treasurer-TAAI, Shreeram Patel in his vote of thanks emphasised TAAI’s role in the growth and development of the trade. He thanked the vision of Hon. Minister of Tourism. Jawaharbhai 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 gave full support to TAAI. He also thanked Indigo Airlines that was the sole airline that ensured delegates from every corner of India connected to
Gujarat for this conclave.
In the duration of the conclave, member delegates experienced the accommodation and facilities at Tent City 1 and Tent City 2 at Kevadia along with an evening dinner cruise along the River Narmada.
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 also undertaken. Delegates also visited the 5 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.
The Statue of Unity depicting the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is aimed to inspire generations with Sardar Patel’s vision on Unity, Patriotism, inclusive growth and good governance.