KAHINI CHAKRABORTY – Mumbai
In order to synergise on the strength and leverage similar ideologies, the Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) and IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) recently signed an MoU in Mumbai. Through this MoU, both the associations have become affiliate members of each other, enlarging their membership base. The new tie-up aims to conduct training workshops and educational seminars along with other developmental issues along with talking up industry issues. Karl Dantas, president, ETAA said, “The idea behind partnering with each other was to take advantage of each others strength. The highlight of this partnership is that each member of IAAI becomes a free affiliate member of ETAA and vice versa with which we will work as one unified body. We have 1250 members all over the country.” He further added that the MoU will be renewed every year.
Biji Eapen, president, IAAI added, “Since the travel industry does not understand the difference between service tax and commission, we will work closely with ETAA to train the front office staff and educate them about the industry. Earlier, travel agents used to be given seven per cent commission but now it is three per cent or negligible. I believe that travel agents should be given five per cent commission for the services that they provide to end consumers.”
