Archana Sharma – New Delhi
With a view to further empower and educate the travel trade fraternity in India, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), will be launching a Preferred Partner Programme at its 62nd annual convention to be held at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali, Indonesia from March 26-29, 2015. Elaborating on this, Harmandeep Singh Anand, honorary secretary general, TAAI, stated that they are tying up with various National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) to host two days of B2B workshops and three days of educational tours. “The programme will enable TAAI members especially from Tier II and Tier III cities to interact with the international travel trade and suppliers,” he said.
Announcing the theme, ‘Reflections: Redefining Relevance’, of their annual convention, Sunil Kumar R, acting president, TAAI, stated, “With the rapidly changing tourism scenario and the Indian clientele considerably more knowledgeable with improving technology, the convention will deliberate on redefining the relevance of travel agents and enable them in adapting to further changes.” Looking at hosting over 700 delegates at Bali, Anand also hopes that the India Travel Trade Expo (ITTE) to be held on 27-28 March, 2015 will have participation from over 50 exhibitors.
Also coinciding with the convention is the ‘Sahabat India’ festival, being organised by the Government of India. Kumar feels that the convention will provide a great opportunity to showcase Indian culture and heritage. Around 350 rooms have been booked at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali and The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali. Elaborating on the travel arrangements, Kumar said that TAAI is coordinating with Air India and Garuda Indonesia to operate charter flights for the convention.