TAFI aims to rebuild

Association now needs to use better, updated, interactive and intelligent technology to do business. The need of the hour is to build tourism in a holistic, responsible way that sustains rather than ruining the planet, says Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI.

Janice Aloysius

The TAFI event held in New Delhi recently with the agenda to introduce members to the new team elected for North India chapter and the newly elected National committee. The event was attended by Ajay Prakash, President TAFI, Kamal Ramchand, Vice President, Anil Kalsi, Joint Secretary and Managing committee member.

Prakash, emphasised to rebuild and revive TAFI. He stressed on significance of the member’s belief and value, given to them. He said, “To make TAFI strong again, the contribution of each and every member is necessary. When members feel a sense of pride in belonging to TAFI, confident to reach out to anyone in the association, be it the president, secretary or managing committee, that is when the association starts to rebuild. Everyone has faced tough times. We now need to use better, updated, interactive and intelligent technology to do business.  Need of the hour is to build tourism in a holistic, responsible way that sustains tourism.”

“The industry that employs one in 10 people, contributes to almost 7% of India’s GDP, needs to be recognised. We have created FAITH (Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality) and intend to make that the voice of the industry and  take our voice to the ministry, to the govt. and all the way to the prime minister’s office, if need be so that agents get their rightful dues.” said Prakash.

Anil Kalsi, Joint Secretary, said “There is lot that needs to be done to resurrect the industry and get travel agents’ business back on its feet,.  He also stressed on certain issues to be addressed right away, one of them is the credit card payment acceptance by the airlines. “Different airlines have different regulations for accepting credit cards. For example, Air India website accepts only the passenger’s credit card to issue the ticket. If the card belongs to anyone else in the family, one may not be allowed to travel. Similarly different airlines have different rules. A standard format is required which the association needs to sort out with the airlines. So agents should be allowed to use their credit card and the association will work towards that,” Kalsi said.

He added, “We have to make efforts to get the best deals for TAFI members, get good rates for them, and be able to accept agent credit cards.”