Sanjay Narula versus Jyoti Mayal, clash of titans for ‘Top Post’ of TAAI

The oldest travel association of the country, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is all set to elect new Management Committee for the term 2019-21 at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) schedule to be held on November 28, 2019 at Sahara
Star Hotel in Mumbai.

The clash of two senior leaders of TAAI Managing Committee (2017-19), Vice President TAAI & Founder Apex Travel & Tour Sanjay Narula and Jyoti Mayal, Hon. Secretary General – TAAI and Director – New Airways Travels has created a lot of buzz and interest among the members, and poised to garner the maximum eyeballs and participation in the election process. Both of the candidates are confident to clinch the ‘Title of TAAI President’ and work for the betterment of the association and its member.

Mr. Sanjay Narula joined the TAAI Managing Committee as the Airline Council Chairman in 2006 and widely seen as somebody who has played an important role in reviving of APJC in India. In 2017, he was elected as the Vice President of TAAI. He was made the Convention Chairman in 2007, wherein TAAI hosted first international convention in London which is considered as one of the most successful conventions in the history of TAAI. He became part of the two successful conventions – in Srinagar and Kunming in China.

Through a video released by him, Mr Narula appealed to the members of TAAI to participate in the election in a large number and elect a team of people with whom the members are comfortable and feel that the team will work for member’s betterment and take this association in the right direction.

At the other hand, an experienced and industry veteran Ms. Jyoti Mayal was inducted as the Chairperson of the Northern Region (2009-2013) and served as a member of the Managing Committee (2013 – 2017).  She has been elected as the Hon. Secretary General of TAAI for the term 2017-19. Being Hon. Secretary General of TAAI Ms Mayal actively participated in various initiatives, activities of TAAI including the mega conventions organised in Srinagar and Kunming.

In a communication sent to industry colleagues, Ms. Mayal says that one of her dreams is to see that tourism sector gets industry status. She is confident that after winning the election her team will take up the issue strongly with the government so that the tourism sector gets industry status.

Well, whosoever wins the elections, whether it is Mr Sanjay Narula or Ms Jyoti Mayal, the real challenge for the new president would be reviving the fortune of TAAI and dealing with the burning issues of travel agents.

Personal rapport and PR should not be the criteria, but it should be the person who can make the association more relevant to the industry business, and work closely with the government bodies (such as Ministry of Civil Aviation, Tourism) for effective communication and policy making. The president should be one who is more dynamic and bring more confidence in members and support to the oldest travel association of the country.