TAFI launches consumer campaign

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has launched a nationwide consumer campaign to create awareness about the benefits of booking through a qualified and authorized travel agent. The campaign, called ‘Without a Travel Agent, You’re on Your Own’, emphasizes on the importance of using an authorised travel professional.

Hazel Jain

Taking a cue from the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has recently launched a nation-wide consumer campaign to push their cause. Ajay Prakash, TAFI National President, said, “We have launched an exciting campaign titled ‘Without a Travel Agent, You’re on Your Own’. It is aimed at highlighting the pivotal role travel agents play in assisting customers overwhelmed by numerous online options.”

He said that the association had been planning to run the national campaign for educating people about the benefits of dealing with a travel professional. “Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), which has recently rebranded itself to Australia Travel Industry Association (ATIA), has now created one big association. They used to have a sticker to identify themselves and stuck it everywhere, including on their car bumpers. The sticker mentioned ‘Without a travel agent you are on your own’. And this is a fact. Travellers have discovered that while booking everything on their own might be great, sometimes they miss out on the fine print and get in trouble,” Prakash said. “Therefore, it is important that the travelling public is made aware of the benefits of dealing with a qualified and trusted travel professional,” he added.  Many consumers think that the services of a travel agents cease once they make a booking but that is a common misconception. When a travel agent is used to book one’s travels, if anything goes wrong during the trip, all they have to do is call the travel agent.

Prakash also emphasised on the importance of industry members joining social media platforms such as X to raise awareness about issues that concern the travel and tourism sector.

“Travel agents know the inside scoop. They are professionals who assist with all aspects of travel planning and know exactly what to do when one of their clients are experiencing any type of travelling issues. A good travel agent will truly go the extra mile for their clients by assisting them with any of their travel needs before, during, and even after their trip is over,” Prakash added.

TAFI calls off convention due to high airfares

TAFI has called off its 2023 Convention, which was scheduled to take place onboard Costa Serena from 4-7 November 2023. Prakash said, “We had to call it off on account of the inordinately high airfares from across India into Mumbai.”