The 65th Convention of TAAI in Kunming – the Capital of Yunnan Province of China will be an eye-opener for those who are ready to connect with this opportunity, plan the right steps to support the growth and success, says Sunil Kumar, President of TAAI.
Q. How important is this Convention for the travel agents and tourism stakeholders of both countries?
A: The 65th TAAI Convention in Kunming is a historic event, since it is being held as a huge tourism connect opportunity of two large countries of the world – China & India. For TAAI, in its 68 years, this is the first time that a TAAI Convention is being held in China. This event was possible due to extensive discussions and design that was in progress for over an year.
For the industry stake holders, certainly this is a huge opportunity and one must optimize it. TAAI Conventions have always brought huge visibility to the destinations where the event is held, and Kunming will soon become a popular destination for India. TAAI’s endeavour is to attract a mutual tourism growth, both ways and believe this convention is an initiative towards the same.
Q. How do you look at the potential of Kunming? What kind of travellers it can attract from India?
A: Kunming as a city and Yunnan as a province, are exceptionally impressive and attractive. The close proximity with India is a huge draw. Quality of hotels, particularly those that are chosen for our Convention and the pre-post tours are impeccable and reflect high luxury. These kind of properties can encourage tourism (leisure); MICE and importantly specialty events like weddings, that Indian’s are well known for. Another feature of the convention in Kunming is the golf initiative TAAI has taken up and the splendid golf courses in Yunnan will also get the desired visibility.
Q. What is the theme of the Convention? What message TAAI wish to convey through this theme?
A: Theme of the Convention is ‘Tourism Beyond Boundaries’. Travel and tourism is an incredible opportunity of invaluable value for the whole World. It is far beyond a mere ‘Industry’. It is more. It is an enterprise that offers myriad advantages for everyone involved to expand their horizon; beat the limits and optimize this important activity.
Tourism brings the world together. It is a pursuit people inhabit and an ongoing quest that supports business; leisure and discovery. Over 1.3 billion international arrivals during 2016 is an astounding economic impact. Nations thrive on Tourism. Many jobs are created. The global economic bandwidth is fascinating.
Q. Kindly throw some lights on the business sessions and speakers? How many delegates are expected to attend the Convention?
A: The registration process has been closed almost a month prior to the Convention since the convention is a limited edition, about 550 delegates will be attending the event. There are two days of knowledge sessions; 28th & 29th November, 2018. We have global speakers and national leaders interacting with our delegates. The sessions endeavour to empower the delegates with updates; trends; opportunities and support architecting one’s own design to sustain success in the evolving environment.
Q. How has been the year 2018 from associations’ point of view; what were the major initiatives that you would like to talk about?
A: For TAAI, every year is a build up over the previous year. 2018 has witnessed many challenges the market place has posed for the industry stake holders. TAAI continues to represent the industry to help overcome these challenges and offer newer approaches to facilitate growth and development. 2018 also continued to take TAAI to higher levels of membership; extensive interaction on IATA matters with nation-wide orientation on the revolutionary NewGen ISS resolution that IATA has come up with.
NAMASTAAI has upgraded in content and design to a higher level and has become even more popular among the readers. The icing on the cake has been the launch of TAAI Connect, the Digital Empowerment Program. This will revolutionize the way a travel agency will want to reflect its image and service to its customers. It’s a huge initiative indeed.
Q. China being our neighboring country is an important source market for India; how can we get more from this convention? what are your suggestions?
A: Yes. China is an important neighbor. It is a huge opportunity as well. China’s growing outbound and offers to the world must be capitalized by Indian Industry. This convention will be an eye-opener for those who are ready to connect with this opportunity plan the right steps to support growth and success.
