ASSOCIATIONS

With TAAI completing 75 years in 2026, the association officially kicked off its year-long celebrations recently in New Delhi with the unveiling of a commemorative logo. The event, attended by prominent figures like Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, highlighted TAAI’s legacy. Surbhi Sharma As …

As global travel evolves, there is a growing liking for unique, less crowded destinations. Whether it is leisure or MICE, the emerging trends are reshaping how we explore the world. Markus Tan, Regional Director, STB, India, Middle East, South Asia and Africa Indian travellers have evolved, with changing preferences that …

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) recently held its annual convention in the Ninh Binh province of Vietnam. The convention, attended by around 385 delegates, offered its members an opportunity to discover an unexplored region of Vietnam, as well as get insights from experts on pertinent issues affecting the …

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is geared up for its convention in August and the upcoming elections in April-May. In its bid to strengthen itself on a pan India basis, the association has special focus on increasing its membership, for which it has also reduced fees in many …

Do you think curating a trip comprising sustainable products is a costly indulgence reserved for a select few? No, says Pavnesh Kumar, Director – Sustainability & Research, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). In an interview with TRAVTALK, Kumar explains why sustainable tourism is not a luxury or niche segment but …

TAFI, set for its Vietnam convention from 17-20 January under the theme, ‘Tourism for Tomorrow, Protecting the Planet’, aims to promote eco-friendly travel via its members. Hazel Jain The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) is spearheading a movement towards environmentally responsible tourism with its convention theme, ‘Tourism for Tomorrow, …

The Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals (GAEHP) was launched recently in Delhi, with an aim to tackle the industry’s skill gap by providing education and practical training to tourism professionals. Janice Alyosius The tourism and hospitality industry has been struggling with the shortage of well-trained professionals for a …

Tourism industry is keeping its fingers crossed with hopes that the Union Budget 2025 will give some relief in TCS and GST as far as outbound is concerned and help encourage investment within India to bridge the demand-supply gap. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO We expect the Budget to be in …

Travel industry professionals from Gujarat gathered in Ahmedabad for the TAG Champions League 2024. Organised under the leadership of Munjal Fitter, President, TAG, the three-day cricket tournament not just showcased the industry’s love for the game but also provided an opportunity to strengthen the bond. Akash Tyagi The TAG Champions …

The ITTA Convention stressed the importance of educating drivers to make them ambassadors of change in tourism sector to promote responsible tourism practices. The event also highlighted the challenges faced by transporters in securing loans for large or imported vehicles, with a call for support from the banking sector. Janice …