A masterclass from TAAI to students

The association’s Western Region Chapter wants its members to interact with students as guest lecturers at two of the educational institutes it has tied up with. Knowledge shared, it says, is knowledge gained.

HAZEL JAIN

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Western Region Chapter is keen on making its members interact with students of travel and tourism from time to time to share their knowledge and expertise in the area. The association has signed MoUs with the School of Tourism and Hospitality at DY Patil University in Nerul in Mumbai’s Navi Mumbai region as well as the HR College for Degree course B.Voc in Tourism & Hospitality Management.

Sampat Damani, Chairman Western Region, TAAI, said, “We are continuing with our agenda to educate and mentor the next generation with relevant training and making the curriculum more to the industry specific. Not just the Managing Committee members but all our members are free to go as guest lecturers at these institutes. We will also request Sudhir Patil of Veena World to speak to the students at DY Patil.”

He added that the members could touch upon topics such as how tours are planned and executed, ticketing and reservations controlled by airlines. “We will be helping in designing the course and suggesting changes to the syllabus at DY Patil as well. The first batch will start in April 2017. The focus will be on making the course more practical and include industry practices and not just theory. The students should be ready to be part of the industry once they graduate,” Damani adds.

He added that the students will be able to intern in some of the members’ offices as well as get help from them in campus placements. “We will also invite them for TAAI events so they can observe and interact with the community. Everyone wants a trained hand but if no one gives a fresher an opportunity how will they get trained,” Damani adds. The new course at HR College will also start from April 2017.