TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY
Email: taai@taai.in Tel.: 022 - 2207 8184
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
TAAI NEWSLINE
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Bold initiatives Vs. Cold results!
Market Evolution – Opportunity to review
The old saying - Holding onto something that is good for you
now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something
better.. demands us to beat our comfort zones to gain beyond
what we have. Life is all about progress; be it running an
association or a business. If we cannot be ready for bold
initiatives to match the current trends, we may be left behind.
A recent article said India’s Online travel is expected to grow by
18% during 2013-2016. It predicted that Online travel sales in
India amounted to 5.37 billion U.S. dollars and are expected
to grow to 30.61 billion U.S. dollars in 2016.
Not too long ago, we were asserting that our customers will
prefer the “human touch” vs dealing with the unknown for mere
convenience. This may be true to an extent. But times are
proving it otherwise. Here are some interesting updates on the
impact on-line trading, globally.
and our Goal - “Our agencies must thrive and we must
continue to be market leaders”. But how can we accomplish
this?
India is a formidable and fast growing market. We will witness
more dynamic economics. The average or median age of an
Indian in comparison with some big countries is an interesting
study. Here’s some revealing news. An Indian’s average age is
barely 27 Years. In comparison, the rounded off average age of
those in some key countries is surprising. Germany and Japan
(46 Years); Australia and Russia (39 Years); USA (38 Years);
China (37) Brazil (31 years). Apart from turning as the most
populated, we are a young country which is fascinating for any
economist to predict market movements. The young are driven
by a behavior pattern of convenience and an all-time access. No
wonder, online trade is fast catching up every-where by virtue of
convenience; cost and easy access.
With air passenger volumes projected to double by 2032 and the
rising on-line trading, it is an apt time for a wake-up call to review
our marketing approaches. We have little option but to
safeguard our investments and to sustain success.
During 2015, Amazon.com’s market value dashed ahead of the
well-known “retail king” Walmart, the super market giant with
large space and huge stock. Jeff Bezo’s Amazon’s market value
rose to $ 250 Billion Vs Walmart’s value that scaled down to
$ 230 Billion. Amazon’s market value during the early 2000 was
less than $ 10 Billion and correspondingly Walmart’s was over
$ 250 Billion. Amazon continues to go all out aggressively. We
are aware of their major entry into India with their recent
additional investment in India of $ 2 Billion. The news suggests
“This changing of the guard reflects the growing consensus that
online retailing will play an increasingly central role in the global
economy over the coming decades.”
TAAI’s initiative is to “Empower our Members” to update them
and encourage pro-activity. TAAI organized two presentations
on 27 & 30 January, 2016, at Mumbai through TAAI WR & at
New Delhi through TAAI NR. They facilitated excellent learning.
Apart from evolution in the market place, the changes IATA is
introducing through New Distribution Capabilities and NewGen
ISS were aspects covered in these presentations. Thanks to
UFTAA, who, through their Vice President & Chairman Air
Matters, Mr Yossi Fatael, delivered them. “It’s Amazing or Mindboggling” were responses that many members reflected.
Flipkart, a Bengaluru headquartered e-commerce Company that
started 8 years ago, is promoted as the biggest online store.
With over $ 4 Million sales during 2014, it plans to grow by a 100
percent, already. The company, we are informed, has set a target
to ship 1 billion units a month and to serve 100 million
customers by 2018.
TAAI proposed a regional co-operation in South Asia. Everyone
learns from practices of others. We had an excellent debate with
the Presidents of a few neighboring countries at our first
meeting held on 30 January, 2016. Once again, a great learning!
We are determined to continue this co-operation initiative and
team up as a South Asia Region to be better positioned against
newer challenges.
Here’s a prediction on Mobile Commerce. Mobile is growing at
10 times faster rate for searches than desktop. It’s more
essential than ever before to ensure retailer’s websites are fully
mobile optimized.
As we compare this scenario to our own, it is in affirmative that
our business practices must evolve with times. The marketing
maxim If you cannot create an emotional connect with your
customer, you’ll lose them, must be reviewed … for today’s
emotional connect can mean “convenience”; “easy access” or
relating to their behavior.
As agencies, as industry stakeholders with heavy investments,
we must optimize our today. We must be more aware of the
happenings in the market place. This supports our strategies
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During the current term, our committee has geared up to offer
more learning opportunities for our members in our Regions &
Chapters to help them appreciate the market trends. Soon we are
launching a program to “share best practices” hi-lighting
member achievements.
Do join us as we move forward in our initiatives to better serve
our membership and support them to envision a brighter future.
Let’s do it together. With warm regards,
Sunil Kumar
President
sunillkindia@gmail.com
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3rd MANAGING COMMITTEE MEETING SUCCESSFULLY HELD IN MUMBAI
Detailed Review done on the various programs TAAI has taken up
The Third TAAI Managing Committee (MC) Meeting of TAAI
coincided with IITT exhibition, at Mumbai. The MC members and
Chairpersons were able to support IITT and actively participated
in the Exhibition. As a part of this 2 day experience, TAAI
organized its 3rd Managing Committee Meeting on the 16th of
January. This was ably coordinated by our Hon. Treasurer Mr Jay
Bhatia. TAAI acknowledges the support of IITT for hosting the
TAAI MC Meeting.
dream project that would offer opportunities for the
Association to hi-light best practices based on mega
achievements by its membership. President Mr Sunil
Kumar, through a power point presentation, shared
with the Committee the value this magazine will add to
the image of TAAI. The Managing Committee and
Chairperson unanimously decided to launch this
magazine effective April 2016.
The activities in Regions & Chapters were reviewed. On a national
level, the progress attained in the most ambitious agenda of TAAI
was also deliberated upon. Some conclusions arrived at this
meeting are given below. The deliberative Managing Committee
meeting was interactive and concluded with a note that the
committee will endeavor to pursue their agenda.
·
·
·
·
Government Liaison : Meeting with the Government
officials and submitting a white paper detailing reasons
as to why the Government must be active in the
regulating the commercial practices of aviation industry
including transparency in fares.
Joint Bank Guarantee Scheme with IATA : Joint Bank
Guarantee to be launched with effective from 1st July
2016 and the route-map to launch his much awaited
activity. The Committee finalized several slabs that will
be put up to IATA for their consideration to offer more
opportunities for members to be brought under the
nearest limit in comparison to their value as determined
by IATA.
Member Empowerment Programs : Closer
coordination with UFTAA and to launch “Member
Empowerment Programs” in India with special
emphasis on presentations on NDC & NewGen ISS.
Both the main regions – Western and Northern had
agreed to take this activity forward by holding member
meetings at Mumbai & New Delhi.
Launch of NAMASTAAI : The TAAI Magazine will soon
be launched. It will reflect several aspects of the
Association; its activities and the industry. It will be a
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South Asian Cooperation : President Mr Sunil Kumar
also informed to the house about our efforts to initiate a
South Asia co-operation among Travel and Tourism
Associations to be better heard, particularly on matters
pertaining to IATA and other related subjects. The
house welcomed this initiative. He informed that the
first meeting of the Association representatives will be
soon held.
·
Agency Credit Card : There were extensive discussions
on getting the Airlines to accept the Agency Credit Card
which the association has been pushing for quite some
time now. It was indicated that the Airlines will soon
respond since they are fully appreciative of the
hardship we were going through. The house was also
updated on matters pertaining to credit cards for
Agencies.
·
Other Updates : There were updates presented on
various matters including Airline Matters and Airline
Meetings held; Finances; IATA matters; Membership
Photo ID; Tourism and technology matters; Allied and
Membership Matters; Legal Matters etc.
·
TAAI Convention 2016 : This subject was reviewed
with several short-listed locations informed to the MC.
The Committee was keen to do an Overseas Convention
this year. It was clearly emphasized that the old
Calendar of TAAI is what will be followed and this year
we will do our AGM during September 2016. As a
result, the TAAI Convention will be held during
July/August/September 2016 depending on the
location and its convenience.
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
SOUTH ASIAN CO-OPERATION – AN INITIATIVE FROM TAAI
Travel agencies are being attacked by new norms in business
practices, which negatively impact our success, cause extreme
situations that not only affect our success but disturb the set up.
We are flooded with consistent challenges. Many of these norms
are being introduced in the name of “way-forward due to
technological advancement” or as “global trends”. While they
appear to be intelligent ways to drive an industry, some practices
have a huge negative impact on the bottom lines and affect
sustainability.
our strong participation with UFTAA, has proposed Regional
Cooperation with our neighboring countries. We had our first
meeting on 30th January, 2016 at Claridges Hotel, New Delhi and
the TAAI OBs were also present with three Association heads and
with the UFTAA Air Matters Team. Our discussions will now
continue, regularly.
The meeting was a rewarding experience to learn from our
colleague leaders – the practices prevalent in their countries.
Subjects included “Commissions; settlement norms and other
related matters pertaining to IATA and APJC meetings”.
Travel Agencies have invested extensively and supported its
Principals to accomplish growth levels. However, the new
practices are not friendly and some of them drive competition
between Principals and Agencies thus weakening the foundation
of a win-win relationship.
It was unanimously concluded by all Associations present that
we must take this forward. We thank the Association heads –
from Sri Lanka; from Nepal; from Mauritius who shared with us
their challenges and also heard from us practices prevalent in
India. Association heads from Pakistan were the first to confirm
their participation – but unfortunately they had visa challenges.
Association head from Bangladesh could not be present, despite
his best efforts to be here, but concurred that we must all work
together as one TEAM to help overcome some challenging
trends that are arriving fast.
In our recent study of practices in other countries, it is observed
that varying trends exist. Some of them are a shocking
revelation. In many cases we do not have the same advantage
and facility while in certain countries, they need our help on
matters where we are better placed in view of our size. In other
words, we can stand to gain through Inter-dependence and not
fighting battles on our own. From stand-alone approaches, we
can now embark on ‘collaborative initiatives’.
TAAI TEAM included all the OBs; Airlines Committee and well
supported by our hosts Chairman of Northern Region Mr Rajan
Sehgal, supported by his Region Office.
To gain a global perspective and be better guided, TAAI, through
TAAI & UFTAA – Member Empower Programs launched in India
2 pilot presentations at Mumbai; New Delhi
Subjects covered New Distribution Capability (NDC) & NewGen ISS & IATA Matters from UFTAA
It was an excellent way to launch the Member Empowerment
Programs by TAAI. The very purpose of this program is to bring
to our members the updates and the trends that would impact the
industry. One of the main Agendas of the current Team of TAAI is
to focus on education programs. We are keen that our members
go pro-active and be prepared for the most challenging future
that is fast arriving.
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Mr Yossi Fatael, Vice President of UFTAA & Chairman Air Matters
is an excellent interpreter of the IATA’s programs NDC & NewGen
ISS.
The TAAI-UFTAA presentations ‘Changing Trends in the Travel
Industry and its Impact’ highlighted the travel agents’
perspective on these two important subjects. Mr Yossi gave a
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TAAI & UFTAA – Member Empower Programs launched in India
superb view of how these programs will bring in changes that
every agency must be aware of in order to successfully
encounter the challenges due to their introduction. Mr Fatael
delivered two presentations – one at Mumbai on the 27th January,
2016 and the second one at New Delhi on the 30th January, 2016.
Both the programs had Mr Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI deliver
the curtain raiser. Mr Kumar said
UFTAA will hold during October/November 2016. This Congress
will be dedicated to enhance the networking between travel
agencies; tour operators and other industry leaders of the world.
Mr Yossi Fatael, in both these presentations, gave a descriptive
version and illustrated the effects of the implementation of NDC
& NewGen ISS. He also listed the strengths and weaknesses of
these programs and was aggressively suggesting our members
to change stance and establish new practices within their
organizations to view the introduction of NDC & NewGen ISS as
an opportunity. The detailed Q&A served the purpose of the
presentations very well.
“We cannot successfully face tomorrow, unless, we are fully
aware of what tomorrow has in store for all of us. He gave an
insight into the various practices that are prevalent in various
markets of the world and the need for associations to educate
their members. He added that unless we team up as AllAssociations, not only in India but in our entire region of
South Asia, we may not be that effectively heard to pursue our
goals in getting members be rewarded their due share.
Towards this he said that UFTAA has decided to support its
member Associations with updates and help them in their
endeavor to prevent practices being pushed up on them, when
they are unprepared. There is so much UFTAA and all of us
members associations such as TAAI can accomplish for our
well-being. UFTAA is thus keen to partner with as many
industry associates to respond to this incredible opportunity”
In both these presentations at New Delhi & Mumbai, the media
was present and they had interviewed the speakers and covered
the event well. We thank the Media for supporting this valuable
knowledge sharing.
TAAI Western Region had done remarkably well in organizing
this presentation on the 27th January at the new hotel of TAJ at
Santa Cruz Airport. This was a part of the Regions Meeting. The
extremely delightful hall had an amazing grandeur and offered
great technical support for the presentation as well. Senior
Members from Mumbai were present and interacted on the
future of the subjected matter and exchanged their views with
Mr. Fatael.
Mr Sunil Kumar also informed the house that UFTAA is
celebrating the success of its 50 years through many initiatives
on Golden jubilee including Golden Jubilee Congress which
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
TAAI & UFTAA – Member Empower Programs launched in India
On 30th January, 2016, TAAI Northern Region held their Region
Meeting and also offered to their members this educational
journey – a presentation on ‘Changing Trends in the Travel
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Industry and its Impact’ with NDC & NewGen ISS. This was well
organized at Claridges Hotel, New Delhi and was once again a
huge success.
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23rd Edition of SATTE UNDER AEGIS OF UBM INDIA
NEW DELHI, February 10, 2016: UBM India successfully
concluded the 2016 edition of SATTE in New Delhi with over 750
participants from over 35 countries and 28 Indian States. SATTE
2016 witnessed 28 per cent unprecedented visitor growth as
compared to its previous editions.
Our President participated in the inauguration and Lighting of the
Lamp along with the Minister and other dignitaries.
Complementing UBM India, Mahesh Sharma reiterated that the
industry needs a trade platform such as SATTE that not only
facilitate exchange of ideas but also create conducive
atmosphere of global peace through right ‘communication.’
The show was validated as an industry platform with the
presence of Chief Guest Dr Mahesh Sharma, Union Minister of
State for Tourism & Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil
Aviation, Govt. of India along with eminent leaders from across
the global tourism market. The inauguration of the event was
also graced with the presence of Mr Vinod Zutshi, Secretary –
Tourism, Govt. of India; Mr Dayal Das Baghel, Tourism Minister
of Chhattisgarh; Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister for
Tourism & Sport, Kingdom of Thailand, Ms. Alla Peressolova,
Manager, Silk Road Programme, Fairs Programme, UNWTO,
Sunil Kumar, President of TAAI and Subhash Goyal, President,
IATO amongst others.
SATTE 2016 conference deliberated on industry potential,
existing concerns and the future by exploring new frontiers
amongst various industry stakeholders. The panel discussions
included the following topics;
*The Relevance of Thematic Tourism Routes in Fostering
Regional Collaboration and Prosperity, * Make in India and
Tourism, *Niche Tourism in India: Challenges and Opportunities,
*Associations Today: Need to re-invent and re-orient to remain
relevant and safeguard the member’s interest, *India as a focus
for NTOs, and *Integrated Online Marketing & Distribution
Strategy to Enhance Business.
President Mr Sunil Kumar, office bearers – Vice President Mr
Marzban Antia, Hon Secretary General Mr Bettaiah Lokesh and
Hon Treasurer Mr Jay Bhatia along with the entire TAAI MC and
Region / Chapter Chairpersons were special invitees to SATTE.
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The huge footfalls recorded were evidence of the immense
popularity SATTE has garnered over the years. !
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
TAAI DELEGATION MEETS HON’BLE TOURISM MINISTER
Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Meet on 29th January with TAAI officials in Delhi
On 29th January, in yet another initiative from TAAI, President Sunil Kumar along with Vice President : Marzban
Antia, Hon Secretary Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Treasurer Jay Bhatia, Co-Chairman : Airline Council Shreeram Patel
and Northern Region Chairman, Rajan Sehgal met with Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism,
Culture & Civil Aviation. It was definitely a good interactive meet. What’s more, The Minister agreed to look into a
proposal of the Government liaison committee being created by TAAI that would help to have more detailed
interactions with the Government.
High on the agenda would be TAAI’s attempts at reforms to be introduced for the good health of our industry.
Watch out for more news on this effort.
UFTAA appoints TAAI’s Jay Bhatia On UFTAA's Global Tourism Committee
We feel proud to inform our members, that TAAI’s Hon. National Treasurer and Chairman : Tourism Council, Jay Bhatia has been
appointed on UFTAA GLOBAL TOURISM COMMITTEE.
As part of its Golden Jubilee agenda to better connect the world of tourism and to develop global network of
tourism consultants, UFTAA has formed the UFTAA TOURISM COMMITTEE which will comprise of tourism
specialists from all over the World. This initiative of UFTAA will draw tourism Boards and Global Tourism
Consultants and Operators into the domain of UFTAA to better promote Tourism activity. In response to this
initiative, many tourism specialists and leading consultants have taken up affiliate membership (Individual
Membership) with UFTAA. Soon this is expected to grow in to a large global group enhancing scope of
interaction and business networking and promotion of destinations as well.
It is indeed a proud moment for TAAI that Mr Jay Bhatia has been appointed to this important committee !
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Meeting with CMD & Team Air India
Air India agrees to honour Agents Corporate
Credit Card
An important milestone has been accomplished
by and we are delighted to share with you the
important outcome of the meetings with Air
India. TAAI has been pursuing with Air India since
a long time to have the Travel Agency Corporate
Credit Card implemented.
Various Meetings
In our interaction with Mr. Pankaj Srivastava, CD
Air India with the members of the Managing
Committee & TAAI NR, on 17th November, 2015,
Mr. Srivastava informed that Air India is
reviewing the acceptance of the Travel Agency
Corporate Card.
Air India CMD Mr. Ashwani Lohani Meet on 30th Jan in Delhi
that for their Domestic Sectors, they are merging the Basic Fare
and Fuel Surcharge. This was also appreciated by our team. Air
India CMD Mr. Lohani shared that Air India shall endeavour to
work closely with the Agency Community and requested that Air
India must see a strong response from the Agents as well in
promoting incremental sale of Air India . Members are requested
to welcome this move of the National Carrier and support it
whole heartedly.
On 19th November 2015, TAAI Team then met CMD Mr. Ashwani
Lohani and reiterated that in view of the current market
conditions, acceptance of the Agency Corporate Card is
important and requested its consideration.
On 30th January, 2016, the representatives of TAAI and TAFI met
with Air India CMD Mr. Ashwani Lohani, Mr. Pankaj Srivastava
and the team of Air India. Present from TAAI were, President Mr.
Sunil Kumar; Vice President Mr. Marzban Antia; Hon. Secretary
General Mr. Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Treasurer Mr. Jay Bhatia,
Chairperson of Airlines Council Mrs. Jyoti Mayal and Co
Chairman Mr. Shreeram Patel. Here, AI announced that they shall
accept the Agency Corporate Credit Card and assigned the
Finance Team to work on the modalities to launch the Credit Card
acceptance program effective 5th February 2016.
TAAI TEAM is happy with the outcome of all their intense
meetings with Air India that has culminated through various
meetings.
Thank you Air India !!!
We rephrase the words of Sir Robert Frost, The woods are lovely,
dark and deep, But at TAAI, we have promises to keep, And miles
to go before we sleep, And miles to go before we sleep.
Mission Accomplished
The TAAI TEAM welcomed this long awaited news and thanked
Air India for this positive development. Air India also announced
Director, Zanzibar Tourism Promotion Center Meets TAAI MC
Tourism Council Chairman, Mr. Jay Bhatia welcomed Mr. Jilesh Babla, Director, Zanzibar Tourism Promotion Center, at the MC
meet in Mumbai, who exchanged greetings with members and distributed brochures and give-aways brought all the way from
Zanzibar and which is just introduced in market.
Mr. Jilesh Babla, invited TAAI to conduct a MC meeting in Zanzibar, for which he
promised to try his best to support/host. He mentioned that he would also be able to
arrange interactive meets with representatives of tourism board, tourism ministry & B2B
meetings. Further he added that soon they shall plan workshops for TAAI members in
India as well as Educational Destination Workshops in Zanzibar.
The President thanked Mr. Jilesh Babla for his support and invitation to TAAI.
It is indeed heartening to note that today, TAAI is in the forefront for International Tourism Boards in India to promote their
destination to the members with interesting seminars, attractive roadshows and educative workshops.
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
TAAI AT 5TH INDIA HERITAGE TOURISM CONCLAVE
The fifth India Heritage Tourism Conclave “Making Incredible
India – Swachh, Sundar & Sashakt Bharat,” was organized by
the PHD Chamber in collaboration with J&K tourism and
Rajasthan Tourism at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur (Rajasthan).
The one-day conclave, was organised by PHD Chamber and
supported by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT). TAAI MC Member,
Jyoti Mayal along with Northern Region Chairman Rajan Sehgal
representing TAAI, were special invitees and graced the
occasion. Special addresses were given by H.E. Sabit Subasic,
Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ajay Data, Chairman,
Rajasthan Chapter, PHD Chamber; Vijay Goel, Member of
Parliament and special guest Parvez Dewan, Advisor to the
Governor, Jammu and Kashmir Government. An Extensive
Study on Tourism was also launched at the event.
The first technical session saw discussions on “Opportunities and Challenges- Making Incredible India: Swachh, Sundar, Sashakt
Bharat,” followed by a second session on “Importance of Start-ups in contributing to the restoration of Indian heritage and hospitality”
and “Role of Royal families of India in preserving Indian heritage for across all generations” was discussed in the last session of the day.
The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the state during the conclave under the theme ‘Preserving our past through Heritage
Tourism’.It was attended by participants from across the country and abroad including ambassador of Bosnia to India, representatives
from China, representatives of international and national media, delegates from INTACH and other stake holders of the industry. Said Mr
Sehgal. “ TAAI is happy that the conclave highlights the rich cultural heritage of our country and we must continue to deliberate on
various aspects of heritage which can be explored for promotion of cultural tourism on the whole.”!
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TAAI AT IITT 2016
Members, TAAI made its presence felt at the third edition of India
International Travel & Tourism (IITT) Exhibition that was
organized at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from the
15th – 17th Jan. The Expo was presented by NDTV Good Times
and also supported by Incredible India. state tourism boards of
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan,
Telangana and Uttarakhand as Feature States,
Our Tourism Council Chairman Jay Bhatia was instrumental in
putting together the Session titled “ Promoting Tourism in Times
of Terror” with Moderator : Mr. Sheldon Santwan : Editor & COO
– Travel Biz Monitor and panelists like H.E. Ms. Saroja Sirisena :
Consul General of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Saut Siringoringo : Consul
General of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Erdal Sabri Ergen : Consul General
of Turkey, Ms. Sheetal Munshaw : Director - Atout France France Tourism Development Agency and Mr Bhatia himself .
The Inauguration commenced with lighting the traditional lamp
with Jay Bhatia, Chairman, Tourism Council and Hon Treasurer,
TAAI, Dr Subhash Goyal, President, IATO; Philip Saunders, CCO,
Kuwait Airways; Erdal Sabri Ergan, Consul General of Turkey,
Turkish Embassy; Jyoti Kapur, President, ADTOI; Guldeep Singh
Sahni, President, OTOAI and Mohit Mawani, Exhibitions
Director, ABEC.
The session was very apt with terrorism raising its ugly head
over and over again and had a captured audience. The panelists
shared the fact that every destination should ready to tackle
terrorists and provide safe and secure travel for all tourists and
assured all present that it is exactly what they were engaged in.
As a tribute to the departed souls of the Pathankot attack,
delegates observed 2 minutes of silence.
Your Association’s stall at the exhibition saw many interested
agents and associates inquiring about TAAI membership that
kept the staff literally on its toes !!
The 2 Days B2B and 1 Day B2C, had interesting interactive
conferences and workshops for both Domestic and International
Travel and Tourism professionals. The buyer-exhibitor sessions
and interactive seminars ran concurrently at the exhibition.
Said Mr Jay Bhatia in conclusion "IITT has emerged as a well
organized event and we all need such platforms to build a
stronger bond amongst ourselves and take our industry
forward”.
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
TAAI SIGNS MOU WITH RWANDA TOURISM
Rwanda Tourism Chamber (RTC) and TAAI signed a MOU to promote bilateral tourism between Rwanda and India at OTM held in Mumbai on 18th
February 2016. RTC is the tourism promotion organisation of Rwanda.
Rwanda Tourism and TAAI will conduct workshops and roadshows pan India for its members so as to promote tourism to India. TAAI on the other hand
shall also take their delegation to promote Incredible India encourage tourism to India. Rwanda is all set to target Indian MICE business and to
showcase Rwanda's rich tourism potential as well as investment opportunities in the tourism sector.
In first pic: Ms. Anny Batamuriza - head of RTC signing MOU with Jay Bhatia - Chairman Tourism Council- TAAI in the presence of HE Mr Earnest
Rwamucyo, High Commissioner, Rwanda High Commission, New Delhi, Mr. Marzban Antia, VP TAAI and Mr. Clarence Fernandes, India Representative
- Rwanda Tourism Chamber.
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MEETING WITH THAILAND TOURISM MINISTER
TAAI had an exclusive meeting on 18th February 2016 in Mumbai
with Ms. Kobkaran Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and
Sports, Govt. of Thailand, in Mumbai. Vice President, Marzban
Antia, Hon Treasurer & Chairman, Tourism Council, Jay Bhatia along
with W R Chairman, Sampat Damani and Treasurer, Sameer Karnani
met with the Minister. The Minister briefed on how Thailand needs to
be promoted as a whole and the new developments, activities and
attractions were being developed. This include a new theme park, a
yatch harbour, more intercity flights on the triangular tourism circuit
etc.
The meet concluded on a high note with the Minister assuring to
address TAAI’s requirements to hold tourism workshops and
training programs for the trade Pan India along with visa issues.
In the pic: L to R Sameer Karnani, Sampat Damani, Jay Bhatia,
Hon'ble Ms. Kobkaran Wattanavrangkul and Marzban Antia.
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SPECIAL NETWORKING EVENT FOR TAAI MEMBERS
TAAI members' networking event was exclusively held at OTM
along with airlines, tourism boards and exhibitors for its members
who attended OTM and had come from across the country.
Members were very appreciative with the arrangements made for
this exclusive facility.
PRE-BUDGET MEETINGS OF FAITH
We would like to inform our members about the pre-budget
meetings held in Delhi by FAITH. Here is a brief.
5 industry chambers (CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, FIEO, FSME) &
two industry associations (FAITH & NASSCOM) were invited.
The complete team from Finance Ministry & Amitabh Kant
attended from Government's side.
Pre - Budget meeting with Revenue Secretary: Ministry of
Tourism, FAITH was invited to have its pre- budget meeting with
the revenue secretary, Ministry of Finance. In preparation for the
below meeting, detailed sessions were held with secretary
tourism, ADG & JS tourism, to have a single point of view on
tourism. This is for the first time that a partnership approach has
been undertaken to build a shared vision for tourism growth
between the ministry & the industry. The recommendations were
shared with the revenue secretary & his team for the union
budget 2016-17.
TAAI shared its concerns about the de-growth & structural
weaknesses in the Indian tourism sector & made our
suggestions. These included service tax exemptions on forex
earnings, customs duties exemption on Adventure Tourism
equipment, e-visa across all air & sea ports, mice bidding fund,
income tax exemption to promote domestic leisure & mice
tourism, service tax exemption on adventure & heritage tourism,
7 mega tourism zones, Tourism venture capital fund, market
refocus on short haul ASEAN countries & so on. FM promised to
look into the recommendations along with his team. This is the
second time in the two & half year history of Faith, that FAITH has
been invited to this 'closed room discussion'.
Pre Budget Meeting with The Finance Minister : The FM
conducted a pre - budget meeting to discuss key
recommendations to the union budget 2016-17. 8 industrialists,
Dr. Mahesh Sharma Launches 24x7 toll free Tourist Infoline in 12 International Languages
Incredible India Mobile App to be Launched very soon - An
Excerpt
Ministry will launch an "Incredible India Mobile App." to
facilitate tourists in a better way and that the launching of this
Multilingual Infoline has marked the fulfillment of the promise
made to the people by the present Government for according
priority for safety and security of tourists. This Infoline service
will provide information relating to Travel &
Tourism in India to the domestic and
International tourists/visitors and to assist
the callers with advice on action to be taken
during times of distress while travelling in
India and if need be alert the concerned
authorities.He said that now Tourists
travelling in or planning to travel to India can
seek help and information for a hassle free
experience. He said that the calls made by
tourists (both international and domestic)
while in India will be free of charge. The international tourists in
India and also international callers who speak the aforesaid
languages will be directed to the call agents proficient in the
respective language.......
Source: pib.nic.in ( Release ID :136194)
Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism &
Culture and Minister of State for Civil Aviation launched the "24x7
Toll Free Tourist Infoline in 12 International
Languages including Hindi and English"
available on the existing Toll Free Number
1800111363 or on a short code 1363 at a
function on 8th February. This project is
being implemented by the Ministry of
Tourism, Government of India through M/s.
TATA BSS who have been associated with the
work after open bidding process. The
languages handled by the contact centers
include ten International languages besides
English and Hindi, namely, Arabic, French, German, Italian,
Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. A
"Live Demo" of this Multilingual Infoline Service in Japanese,
Chinese, Russian and Italian languages was also presented on
the occasion. The Minister also announced that very soon his
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
TAAI Airline Council – Chairperson Jyoti Mayal & Co Chairman Shreeram
Patel are specially bringing this page to all TAAI members in order to have
various concerns addressed by our expert consultant Mr Ashish Kumar,
Managing Partner, Agnitio Consulting LLP. Given below in this issue are two
very valid questions being asked by agents & answered by him. If anyone has
any specific questions you want answers to, you may write to TAAI.
WHAT IS THE MODEL AGENTS NEED TO SELL FOR CORPORATE?
Agents need to offer corporates a full range of product suite with
efficiency and delivery and transparency and in booking process
and prices. Business continuity and disaster recovery program
are extremely important for corporates to derive comfort and
long term sustainability of the relationship. corporates look for
sufficient system and processes in place for data management /
backup and restore, incident management in case of issues and
migration / cut over plans and downtime in case of disaster. All
these processes require adequate planning on behalf of service
provider to be able to manage business continuity.
Agents need to invest in data security, certification and business
continuity programs to be able to ensure long term sustainability
to the customers.
Ashish Kumar, Managing Partner
Agnitio Consulting LLP
and can be reached at ashishkumar@agnitioworld.com
WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO BEING AN ONLINE AGENT?
We need to understand that while online travel agent looks a very
lucrative business though managing online web services
management is not easy - investment needs to be done on
properly integrating web services / API across platforms and
managing legacy systems for integration seamlessly. Agents
need to understand that single integration has to be done with
GDS for full fledged carriers while multiple integrations need to
be done for LCC such as Go Air is on Radixx while SpiceJet and
Indigo is on Navitair which was recently bought by Amadeus.
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Agents need to recognize the importance of understanding
these integrations and what it means to continually manage and
support online travel business and constantly innovate. With a
proper business plan, team and process in place - online travel is
a very scale and profitable business to be in.
Ashish Kumar , Managing Partner , Agnitio Consulting LLP and
can be reached at ashishkumar@agnitioworld.com
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WESTERN REGION MEETING
TAAI WESTERN REGION Meeting was held on 27th January in Mumbai prior to the Presentation by UFTAA VP Yossi Fatael. The Chairman Mr Sampat
Damani, Secretary Sameer Karnani and Treasurer Madhuri Kanga made all arrangements for the event with good member participation.
President, Mr Sunil Kumar, Vice President, Mr Marzban Antia and Hon Treasurer Mr Jay Bhatia were present at the meet. The President addressed the
members before Mr Yossi's presentation held later.
NEWS FROM NORTHERN REGION
TAAI NORTHERN REGION Meeting was held on Saturday the 30th January 2016 in New Delhi, prior to the Presentation by UFTAA VP Yossi Fatael.
The Chairman, Rajan Sehgal, along with Secretary Neeraj Malhotra (in pic no. 2) conducted the meeting that saw good attendance.
President Mr Sunil Kumar, Vice President Mr Marzban Antia, Hon Secretary General, Mr Bettaiah Lokesh and Hon Treasurer Mr Jay Bhatia and the
entire MC graced the meet and interacted with the members later.
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally & Concours Show
Members, you will be thrilled to learn that our Northern Region Chairman, Rajan Sehgal was a special invitee to the 21 Gun Salute
International Vintage Car Rally & Concours Show held in Gurgoan Delhi on 6th February ( car display at Red Fort ) & 7th February. (Rally)
The event was organised in association with Heritage Motoring Club of India and aimed at establishing India as a World-Class Motoring
Tourism Destination by spreading awareness and interest among the people of the country and the rest of the world through
participation and involvement of vintage & classic car enthusiasts and collectors. The rally was flagged off from Red Fort by Hon'ble
Minister for Tourism, Mr. Mahesh Sharma alongwith Secretary Tourism on 7th Feb It was held at the Buddh International Circuit, with the
world’s 90 most admired vintage, classic, pre and post war cars from India and other nations running on its famous track.
TAAI supported the event along with national, state, and international tourism boards, travel and tour planners, and hotel and hospitality
players amongst others that ensured good success.
Collectors from the USA, UK, France, Germany, China, Sri Lanka, and Nepal joined the show followed by the exclusive display of cars and
the grand cultural fiesta.
Needless to say the event attracted a huge number of foreign tourists who thus got a chance to visit India. Said Mr Sehgal, “ the display of
90 unique Vintage Cars and 25 Vintage Bikes from all over India and abroad at the Historic Red Fort & cultural performances by different
Tourism Boards of India & International Tourism Boards was a true feast for the eyes and foreign tourists were highly impressed.”
Mr. Rajan Sehgal with Mr. Ratan Tata
MEETING WITH HON'BLE UNION MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION
During Hon'ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr. Ashok
Gajapathi Raju's visit to Trichy for the Review of Smart City
Trichy Meet on 7th, 8th & 9th Jan 2016, our MC,
R.Venkatachalam along with Mr. M. S Paramasivam,
Chairman, South Tamil Nadu Chapter & TAAI members and V.
Vasuden - Trichy Travel Federation President, Mr.M.
Ponnilalgo TTF Vice President, Mr. Mohamed Abu Backer TTF
Secretary, Mr.SA Mubashir TTF Join Secretary and other TTF
Members arranged and met with the Minister on 8th Jan in
Hotel Sangam Trichy. It was a very interactive meet and they
discussed important issues like the *Inclusion of Trichy
Airport under BASA, *Airport runway expansion,*EDI facility
for general cargo in Trichy and Courier Terminal at Trichy
Airport.
The team also gave the following proposals to the Minister
such as *Request to approve Indian Institute of Tourism
Management Chapter in Trichy, *Vocational Course for
Tourism & Hospitality Industry to be framed where students
can earn while they learn under skill India Program, *Request to the State Government to change Luxury Tax to actual room tariff for Hotels in Tamilnadu,
*Request to exempt travel industry from levy of Service Tax to earn more foreign exchange, approval to allow inbound tour operators to buy tickets at
counter, * Enhance Industries (in general) and Information Technology growth that is lacking due to connectivity issues, * Better connectivity that will
harness the IT potential of Trichy, * Request for TRICHY - BENGALURU connectivity , *Air India Express to operate morning departure from Trichy and
return evening flight from Chennai, * Request for a tow stage economical fare ( as private carriers are expensive ).
The good news , Members, is that after this intense meeting with the Minister, Jet Airways has added 2 more flights from Trichy - Chennai - Trichy. Also
the Central government has allotted 880 Crores for expansion of new terminal in Trichy. Needless to say, this has brought much cheer to the Chapter.
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SUCCESSFUL MEETING WITH MR ASHWANI LOHANI - AI CMD IN CHENNAI
M C Member Mr R.Venkatachalam informs us that he along with
Mrs T. Devaki, MC, Mr. Krishna Rao, MC ( Co -opted ) Mr. M. S
Paramasivam, Chairman, South Tamil Nadu Chapter and Mr. S.
Hameed, Secretary- S R region had a very fruitful meeting with
Mr Ashwani Lohani, CMD AIR INDIA at Taj Connemara, Chennai,
on 11th February this being a joint meeting with all IATA agents
from S R region who were very happy with the arrangement of
such an important meeting.
requirements were laid down.
· First of all, TAAI assured the CMD that the members would
definitely sell AI seats however the handicap was after 2007
because of the merger and later the removal of major routes from
Chennai to various destinations: (mainly to South Asian
countries and Gulf Sectors) there was a difficulty being faced by
TAs in Southern Region. They pointed out that MAA to Sin
timings needed to be changed as the present timing of dep 11
a.m / arrv at 1830 hrs was indeed not feasible for business and
leisure traffic. The CMD assured that immediate action would be
taken on this issue. TAAI also had a query as how was it that in
today’s scenario, where foreign carriers have stamped their
authority on Indian soil with flights from all major stations like
Delhi/Mumbai/Chennai/BLR/HYD/CCU to fly individually,
(double/triple dailys), Chennai does not have a direct service to
major hubs like London/Europe / US gateways like
NYC/SFO/WAS? The CMD and his team gave the answer that AI
was indeed restricted by lesser number of flights at the moment
but TAAI’s point was well noted and once the new fleet gets
through, Mr Lohani assured he will look into this crucial concern
of the TAs.
Representatives from Air India were Mr. Hajmadi - Director
Finance, Mr. Venkat - Advisor Finance to CMD, Mr. Harihar EDSR, Capt . Arulmani GM OPS –SR, Mr. Rajneesh Bagga GM – SR
and Mr. Joshi Finance GM – SR.
After a brief speech by Mr Lohani about his targets on increasing
revenue and setting right a good platform to sell AI seats, he
invited the members to speak on the issues concerning them for
Immediate action for his team to try and solve them. Our TAAI
team was given the opportunity to speak first and all our
· TAAI then explained to the CMD about the adhoc offers in F and
J class that were being offered by other carriers and how
successfully it was getting done. This could be followed by AI too
to which the CMD instructed the AI Chennai sales to go ahead
with this adhoc promo immediately.
· TAAI proceeded to inform the CMD how with the new govt
making Trichy/Coimbatore/Madurai as smart cities. in the
domestic segment then AI should also have some good
connectivity from Chennai to these smaller cities. Mr Lohani
informed the TAs that with the purchase of new ATRs by AI in the
next two months, there would be a slot time to operate MAA CJB at 11 am, but TAAI suggested an earlier timing of 8 am,
which would be looked into.
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
SUCCESSFUL MEETING WITH MR ASHWANI LOHANI - AI CMD IN CHENNAI
· To Mr. Lohani’s query if a Chennai/ Portblair/ BKK connection
would be good TAAI informed him that MAA /Portblair would
generate revenue but not to BKK to which he agreed.
and materials...then we can win any situation.” Great words
Indeed !
Having discussed these major
issues the TAAI Team thanked
him immensely for his time and
remarked that they were all
energised by the positivity the
CMD seems to be generating
towards Travel Agents across
India. His go –ahead for the Credit
Card Pass Through was evidence
enough!!
In conclusion, Mr Lohani
instructed his Chennai sales to be
in constant touch with the agents
here and confirmed they would
meet again once in 3 months. In
fact, Mr Venkatachalam informed
the CMD that TAAI SR would, in
their next Region meeting,
showcase AI through a product
presentation. He was very happy
with this decision.
Mr Lohani mentioned how in his
book titled “Winning Against All
Odds he had written that “ if we
are able to control and balance
the 3 m’s in life....men ,money
It was a most interactive meeting
ever held with AI and TAs
specially were very happy with
the enthusiasm and co operation
displayed the CMD. !!
NEWS FROM SOUTH TAMILNADU CHAPTER
TAAI's Relief program visit to Cuddalore
the much - needed relief to the displaced people of this place.
Our MC - Mr. R. Venkatachalam , Aurobindo Group of institutions
Correspondent Mrs.Premila, Trichy Air shine Travels (P) Ltd.'s
Mr. Ravichandran, 324-A2 President Ln. Mr. Shankar, and the club
members went on a relief camp to a remote village called
Melliruppu, Panruti taluka , in Cuddalore.
Soon relief materials were gathered for a village that the team agreed
to adopt. Besides this, their generous gesture of providing
Rs.1100/- worth of daily needs to each person in the village was
much appreciated. The amount was to provide clothings, water and
bed sheets and other needy things.
Mr.Balasubramanian from Tamilnadu Bharat Gas Distributors
Association helped them in this endeavour. Cuddalore district is in
the northern part of Tamilnadu. Unfortunately it was washed out by
flood on 30th Dec 2015 along with nearly 234 other villages. Most of
them had lost their shelters, clothings, houses etc. There was
immense scarcity for food and shelter. Saddened by this aftermath
of the floods and after some deliberations, it was decided to provide
This amount was shared with TAAI South Tamilnadu Chapters'
Members such as R.Venkatachalam - Naveen Air Travels (P) Ltd., M.
S.Paramasivam – Lakshmi Air Travels (P) Ltd, G. Ravichandran –
Trichy Air Shine Air travels (P) Ltd and N.Ravichandran – Sky to Sea
Travels (P) Ltd.
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A wonderful gesture by TAAI South Tamilnadu Chapter indeed!
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SERVICE TAX QUERIES
Our CA & Service Tax Consultant Mr Manish Gardia from GMJ &
Co, Mumbai, informs us that the following query has been
received during the month, Answer for the same has been given
in red by him. If any member has queries on Service Tax that
needs to be cleared they may write to Mr Gaida His Email ID is :
manish@gmj.co.in
available to the air travel agent and it shall be applicable to them
for all the services provided by them in relation of booking of
tickets.
Further, the said Rule makes it clear that the said option of paying
service tax on basic fare is available instead of paying service tax
at the rate specified in section 66B of Chapter V of the Act i.e. on
the other income earned by the Air Travel Agent be it in the form
of service charges, booking charges, margin in sale of tickets,
etc.
1. Query from Pushpak Air Travels, Assam:
Service Tax Department has demanded service tax on margin /
booking charges charged in case of sale of only those tickets
which are purchased from the Airlines Company on bulk / group
and / or as consolidators. We are following the Basic Fare option
as provided in Rule 6(7) of the Service Tax Rules, 1994. Are we
liable to service tax on the said margin / booking charges ? Also
in case of sale of tickets purchased in bulk or purchased as
consolidators?
Based on the aforesaid explanation of the Rule, in our view, once
an Air Travel Agent has opted for an option available under Rule
6(7) of the STR then it need not pay service tax on the other
charges / incomes earned.
Scope limitation:
1. Answer given above are general purpose answer. Answer
may vary after going through the agreement, invoices etc.
Readers are advised to obtain professional opinion or advice
before taking any action.
ANSWER
No, service tax shall not be applicable on the said margin /
booking charges in case of sale of tickets purchased in bulk or
purchased as consolidators.
Rule 6(7) of the Service Tax Rules, 1994 (STR) provides for an
option to the Air Travel Agent to pay service tax on Basic Fare in
relation to the services of booking of tickets for travel by air.
2. The answer are not binding on the TAAI or any member of the
TAAI and acceptance of it including any subsequent and
resultant planning or action will be at TAAI or any member of
the TAAI’s sole discretion and risk, without recourse to the
author.
Thus, as per Rule 6(7) of the STR the air travel agent has an
option to pay service tax on basic fare in relation to services
provided by them. Here, two limbs are of importance i.e. the said
option is available
3. The answers mentioned therein are based on our
understanding and interpretation of the legislations, and are
not binding on any regulators or court and there can be no
assurance that the regulators or court will not take a position,
contrary to our opinion and comments.
â for the services provided in relation to the services of booking
of tickets for travel by air and
â the said services are provided by the air travel agent
4. The view given here are the personal view of the Service Tax
Doctor. It is not necessary that TAAI concurs with the same
view.
Once the aforesaid two conditions are satisfied the said option is
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Generally speaking, investing in yourself is the best
thing you can do. Anything that improves your own
talents; nobody can tax it or take it away from you.
They can run up huge deficits and the dollar can
become worth far less. You can have all kinds of
things happen. But if you’ve got talent yourself, and
you’ve maximized your talent, you’ve got a
tremendous asset that can return ten-fold.”
– Warren Buffet
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
NEWS FROM UP & UK CHAPTER — FIRST EVER FLIGHT TO SOUTHEAST ASIA FROM LUCKNOW
History was written at Lucknow airport when the first ever flight to Southeast Asia was launched by Tigerair. A thrice a week flight
of Tigerair is now operational from from Singapore to Lucknow since December 03rd, 2015.
In attendance was an exclusive gathering with Prof. Abhishek Misra, State Minister of Vocational Education and Skill Development
Mission, Attached to Hon Chief Minister of U.P, Mr. Teh Yik chuan – Sales and Marketing Director Tiger Airways and HE Lim Thuan
Kuan - High Commissioner, Singapore, Mr. Suresh Chandra Hota, Airport Director, Lucknow, Ms. Alka Jha, Area Sales Manager,
Tigerair and Office bearers and Members of TAAI UP & UK Chapter. Next day a Press Conference was addressed by Tigerair which
was attended by Mr. Raj Shekhar, District Magistrate, Lucknow.
“The flights will bring great relief to all the passengers here as there are many visitors to Singapore" says Mr Sunil Satyawakta,
TAAI UP Chapter Chairman.
DRAWING AND PAINTING COMPETITION DURING “KITE FESTIVAL”
Like the previous year, TAAI UP and UK Chapter conducted a Drawing and Painting Competition during “Kite Festival” that was held under the
aegis of UP Tourism. This famous festival is a part of Lucknow Mahotsav held from 30th Jan - 05th February 2016 and generates a lot of
excitement. The theme this year was “ Badalta Lucknow - Sanwarta Lucknow ”. Over 65 students of Delhi Public School, Indira Nagar Branch,
Lucknow participated on the Closing Day of the Competition and were given prizes by Principal Secretary & Director General Tourism, Mr.
Navneet Sehgal. Congratulations , kids !!
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3RD CHAPTER MEETING HELD IN LUCKNOW
The 3rd Meeting of Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand Chapter was held on 3rd February at Hotel Vivanta by Taj, Lucknow. The Principal
Secretary & Director General Tourism, Mr. Navneet Sehgal was kind to join the members who had fruitful dialogues with him. They were
appreciative that he had attended in spite of his busy schedule. A vote of thanks was passed for Vivanta by Taj, Lucknow for hosting the
meet.
SAURASHTRA KUTCH CHAPTER’s VISIT TO GANDHIDAM
h
Devendra Shah, Chairman – Saurashtra Kutch Chapter informs us that his Chapter’s 2nd meeting was held on 9th and 10th January, in
Holiday Village Resort, Gandhidam. After the welcome by the Chairman and passing of the previous meetings minutes 4 sub
committees were appointed as follows - Mr Gopal Unadkat of Aadesh Travels Rajkot for Airlines Council, Mr. Deven Shah Royal of
Travels Jamnagar for Tourism Council. Mr. Dipak Kakkad Yesh of Travels Rajkot for Membership Development Council. Mr. Sanjay
Mehta of Transglobe Travels, Rajkot for Allied Council and Insurance Matters.
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
What followed were some very interesting presentations by Dharmesh Rajwani Sales of Vistara Tata SIA, Jagruti Vyas Mgr, GUJ & MP of
Lufthansa , Maya Nair, Mgr, Guj & MP of Indigo, Ganesh Aryan Mgr, Guj of Qatar Airways and lastly but not the least, Tarak Jani Mgr, Guj,
MP, Goa, Maharashtra (ex Mumbai) of Spice Jet.
The airline team gave good briefs about their products and explained in details the upcoming facilities and expected services of these
products . Our M C and Co Chairman of Airlines Council, Shreeram Patel was instrumental in coordinating with all these airlines along
with Gopal Unadkat, the newly appointed Airlines Council Sub Committee Chairman and expressed their thanks. South Gujarat Chapter
Chairman Mr. Mukeshbhai Patel too attended the meet and gave his views on the current scenario of the industry.
All members were accompanied by their family members and were thrilled to visit this lovely resort located in the heart of Kutch
Gandhidam city. On the 2nd day, it was time for all to visit the most attractive White Desert as it is called (White Rann). All were very
excited with camel riding under the blue sky surrounded by white sand close to the Kutch border. An awesome experience indeed !
All arrangements were perfect thanks to the efforts of the Chairman, Bharat Shah Secretary and Treasurer, Jitendra Lakhani. A special
thanks to Holiday Village Resort, Gandhidham for sponsoring this meet and visit.
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NEWS From PUNE CHAPTER
TAAI Pune Chapter in association with US Consulate, Mumbai organized a Workshop on Nuances of the U.S. visa application process &
to promote travel to the United States for meetings, incentive, conferences and events (MICE travel) in Pune recently followed by high
tea.
The Workshop was attended by 60 front-line staff from amongst TAAI Pune Chapter Members’ offices. Dan Fenech, the Deputy ACS and
CIU Chief, did the presentation on behalf of US Consulate, Mumbai.
The Session imparted information on the process of US visa application. A very interactive Q & A session was held after the discourse
which had many participants clearing their doubts much to their satisfaction..
9th Edition of TAAI Cricket Tournament.
Looks like Cricket fever is only us all. 9th Edition of TAAI Cricket
Tournament says it all !. 30 Teams from various IATA Agencies
from Pune, including Associations like TAFI, ETAA & SKAL
participated in this year’s tournament. The Tournament was
played over 5 weekends starting from 20th Dec 2015 onwards
and the finals were held on 17th Jan 2016.
The finalists for this year were Riya Travels & Kesari Tours Pvt.
Ltd. Riya Travels won a well - fought battle and were crowned as
winners. Hon. Secretary General of TAAI National Committee Mr.
Bettaiah Lokesh and with Hon. Treasurer & Chairman of Tourism
Council Mr. Jay Bhatia were the Chief Guests along with Ms.
Rikina Shah, Accounts Manager - Etihad Airways, Mr. Yazdi
Marker, Manager Key Accounts - Jet Airways, Mr. Gaurav Jaju,
Chief Guests Interacting with the Finalist
HSG addressing the crowd
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
Trade Sales - Indigo, Mr. Prasad Marathe, Sales Manager (Offline
Maharashtra & Goa) – Cathay Pacific & Mr. Darius Khurody, Key
Account Manager - Lufthansa German Airlines.
from Etihad Airways), Best Batsman : Vaibhav from Kesari Tours
Pvt Ltd (Trophy & 2 air tickets from Indigo), Best Bowler :
Ganesh from Prasanna Purple (Trophy & 2 return air tickets from
Jet Airways), Man of the Match for Finals : Milind from Riya
Travels (Trophy & 2 return air tickets from Indigo).
Riya Travels won the match much to the delight of its supporters
gathered at the ground .
Says Chapter Chairman, G Krishna "It was a well - fought match
with both sides putting in all their efforts. "
Individual Prizes won were Man of the Series : Ramzan Tamboli
from Riya Travels (Trophy & 2 return air tickets to Abu Dhabi
Winning Team Riya Travels with Mr. Lokesh Bettaiah - HSG TAAI &
Mr. Jay Bhatia -Hon. Treasurer, TAAI
Match in Progress
Winners Say it All..
DID YOU KNOW ??
û French was the official language of England for about 300 years, from 1066 till 1362.
û The glorious Taj Mahal of Agra changes its colour several times during the day. In the morning it appears pink, turns white
during the day and in the moon light it appears golden. Isn't it amazing?
û Ramoji Film Studios in Hyderabad, India is in the Guinness World Record for being the largest film studio in the world covering over 1600 acres.
û The Golden Buddha is Bangkok is made of solid gold.
û Flamingos are very sensitive to disturbances but have little or no sense of smell.
û Listed in the Guinness World Records as the longest official place name in the world.
Full name - Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu (85
letters).
Location: North Island, New Zealand Language: Maori
Source Journey.com
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TAAI PRESENTS WHITE PAPER
Represents Parliamentary Standing Committee Meeting on Transport, Tourism and Culture.
Recently TAAI - Karnataka Chapter Chairman M.S.Raghavan
represented TAAI in the PARLIAMENTARY STANDING
COMMITTEE MEETING ON TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND
CULTURE held on 6th February 2016 in Bengaluru. The
delegation consisted of Shri. Pradeep Singh Kharola, Additional
Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, & Smt. G. Sathyavathi,
Director of Tourism, both from Govt. of Karnataka, Shri. Om
Prakash, Director General and Inspector General of Police,
Karnataka State Police Department, Shri. Shoeb Samad,
Regional Director (South), Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India,
besides few other top officials from Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of
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India and Govt. of Karnataka.
The Chairman had the privilege to speak to the August Body on
matters related to Travel and Tourism in India and Karnataka
specific, apart from handing over a White Paper document to the
Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman which was very
well received by the entire Committee. It was also appreciated by
the entire panel of high level delegates from the Ministry of
Tourism, Govt. of India and Govt. of Karnataka representing the
State of Karnataka. The Body has promised to look into the
suggestions provided by TA
24
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TAAI Newsline
Volume 55 I Jan-Feb 2016
TAAI WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA / NEWSLINE
TAAI activities are regularly updated on its Website, Facebook and Twitter.
Website: www.taai.in
FB id: Travel Agents Association of India
Twitter id : @TAAI1951
MEMBERS,
HAVE YOU BEEN VISITING OUR WEBSITE ?
The TAAI website www.taai.in
has been a fruitful tool of communication
since its launch in 2001.
It is a dynamic site and is user-friendly with lots of
news on TAAI happenings and information
on how to become a TAAI member.
View pictures, slideshows, videos on
Association activities and TAAI events, just by clicking
on them. Soon, you will be able to view your
membership details by logging in with a password.
Read all our past issues of Newslines posted in
Archives and go down memory lane !
For Advertising on the TAAI Website
please contact the
TAAI Secretariat or write in to : taai@taai.in
TAAI IS ON FACEBOOK !!
Members, by now you must have viewed our FB Page.
There are regular updates and you must be viewing
various TAAI happenings in pictures.
Get connected and view latest updates and
happenings in TAAI !!!
We are happy to inform you that our FB Page has over
7,799 plus likes !!!
How about that ?
Follow us on Twitter too !
Our Twitter id : @TAAI1951
TAAI Newsline:
We invite members to write in articles on tourism/
aviation and industry matters and if selected by the Editorial team,
we shall publish the same in the Newsline.
Download the latest copy of TAAI Newsline from
http://www.travelagentsofindia.com/newsline.php
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TOURISM TID- BITS
252.3% Growth in Tourists Arrival on E-Tourist Visa in January 2016 Over the same Period in 2015.
UK Continues to Occupy Top Slot Followed by USA and Russia Amongst the Countries Availing E-Tourist Visa Facility.
A total of 88,162 tourists arrived in January 2016 on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 25,023 during the month of January, 2015 registering
a growth of 252.3%.. Commencing from 27th November 2014, e-Tourist Visa facility is presently available for citizens of 113 countries
arriving at 16 Airports in India. This high growth may be attributed to introduction of e-Tourist Visa for 113 countries as against the
earlier coverage of 43 countries.
The percentage shares of top 10 source countries availing e-Tourist Visa facilities during January, 2016 were as follows:
UK (25.37%), USA (15.17%), Russian Fed. (9.58%), France (6.00%), Australia (5.25%), Germany (4.23%), Canada (4.10%), China
(3.96%), Republic of Korea (3.72%) and Ukraine (2.86%).
The percentage shares of top 10 ports in tourist arrivals on e-Tourist Visa during January, 2016 were as follows:
New Delhi Airport (33.18%), Mumbai Airport (20.81%), Goa Airport (19.10%), Chennai Airport (6.95%), Bengaluru Airport (5.35%),
Kochi Airport (4.17%), Kolkata Airport (2.99%), Trivandrum Airport (2.29%), Hyderabad Airport (2.13%) and Ahmedabad Airport
(1.75%).
e
PIB : 15-02-2016- (Release ID :136413)
Only 6 online tickets per person per month: IRCTC
To further prevent any possible misuse, Ministry of Railways has now decided that effective from 15th February, 2016, a maximum of 6
tickets can be booked online by an individual user in a month on IRCTC website. This will replace the existing system under which a
maximum of 10 tickets can be booked online through IRCTC website in a month by an individual. However, the existing condition will
continue wherein these booking will be subject to a limit of booking 2 opening Tatkal tickets in 10:00- 12:00 hours period in a day and 2
opening Advance Reservation Period (ARP) tickets in 08:00-10:00 hours period in a day.
This has been done keeping in view the analysis of usage of quota of 10 tickets which indicated that 90% of users are booking upto 6
tickets in a given month and only 10% are making more than 6 tickets. It is suspected that the 10% users might be involved in touting
activities. Therefore to deter such touts and to facilitate genuine users, it has been decided that a maximum of 6 tickets can be booked by
an individual user in a month.
Source : PIB - Government of India, Ministry of Railways. 28-January-2016 16:34 IST
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TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
TAAI Secretariat, Mumbai
2-D Lawrence and Mayo House,
276, DR. D N Road, Fort,
Mumbai - 400 001.
Phone : +91-22-2207 4022 / 8184
Fax : +91-22-4083 6767
E-mail : taai@taai.in
TAAI Liaison Office, Delhi
212, New Delhi House,
27, Barakhamba Road,
New Delhi - 110 001.
Phone : (011) 23351801 / 23356813
Fax : (011) 23355389
E-mail : taaidelhi@gmail.com