Arushi Bajaj in Kevadia
TAAI in association with Gujarat Tourism conducted a FAM trip and conclave in Tent City 1, Kevadia, Gujarat. With massive participation of 200 delegates and media of repute, the event successfully showcased that things are picking up and getting normal again. Keeping in mind the norms of new normal, the event was systematically organized, well hosted and well attended.
The first two days were scheduled for the sightseeing and were geared at showcasing the best that Kevadia as a destination has to offer. The attendee’s group was taken to different tourist destinations and treated to fun activities such as Jungle Safari, Cruise on Narmada, Laser show at Statue of Unity, tour of Ekta Mall and more.
The conclave was aimed at focusing on the strategies and operations in pipeline while brainstorming upon the opportunities and possibilities in tourism post lockdown. The sessions were scheduled to make sure all the important sectors such as airways, railways, etc. were given emphasis. Since the domestic travel is the first to open, the main idea was to showcase the immense potential it brings for all the travels aficionados.
Welcoming the delegates and inaugurating the conclave, Ms. Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said, “Covid was indeed tough, Tourism is always first to suffer and last to recover. But leaving the challenging times behind and looking at the opportunities in the near future it is time to nurture revenues. And, there is nothing better than domestic tourism at the moment! India has so much to offer we as association rely in all positivity on domestic tourism front. TAAI has worked very closely with the Ministry of Tourism and other stakeholders in order to provide the much needed relief to all its members and we will continue to strive for all that we can.”
Hon. Minister of Tourism, Government of India, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel virtually participated in the half day business session on March 11, 2021. He welcomed the initiative of India’s largest and premier travel-tourism association, TAAI, which has set an historic example of positivity due to the changing times. He added that TAAI membership has all aspects of tourism professional organisations and in the coming future the responsibility and challenges shall increase when inbound tourist commence their India visits. TAAI members must be ready with newer ideas and strategies to ensure Tourism to India is facilitated by them in a smooth manner.
Mr. Jenu Devan, Commissioner of Tourism and MD-Gujarat Tourism addressed the conclave via live video call wherein he highlighted the initiatives of the government in promoting Gujarat to the world and thanked the TAAI committee for bringing their members to SoU, in Gujarat and also assured full support and encouragement to the members in promoting Gujarat as a wholesome destination.
Hon. Secretary General, Mr. Bettaiah Lokesh gave an overview of the business sessions stating that, the inaugural address was an eye-opener and vision for members on Domestic Tourism by President Jyoti Mayal.
Mr. Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI said that the travel fraternity needs to figure out ways to empower domestic tourism. “India is home to some amazing landscapes, diverse biodiversity, mighty mountains, pristine beaches and therefore now is the time to explore the unexplored. Though we are still struggling on certain areas, but TAAI as an association is doing all that is needed for the upliftment of the sector,” he added
Mr. Balbir Mayal, Past President, TAAI, who is a veteran in the travel trade with 40 years of experience took the audience back to a time when lack of funds and infrastructure made travel and tourism an extremely challenging industry. “Over a period of time, things have gone up, there are all categories of hotels and connectivity has emerged. The problem today is marketing of products and I would advise you all to play your role in full efficacy and most importantly guide and educate your people with FAM trips as there is lack of knowledge and information among them,” he explained.
Dr. Achyut Singh, Joint GM, IRCTC, said, “Railways is coming forward with new projects. New deluxe AC trains are being introduced for the middle income groups and we are looking forward to associate with TAAI members to market and promote all this.”
As part of a panel discussion on aviation in India, Mr. Ajay Wadhawan, Chief of Sales, Air Asia, India, said, “Covid was a blessing in disguise as it has given us an all new meaning to life. Since it can’t be rosy every day and each one of us need to be healthy in order to be a winner. With our aim to hit all the right chords with connectivity, we cover almost all the destinations today and we are looking at more avenues in the long run.”
On a panel that highlighted women power in the travel trade, Ms. Vasudha Sondhi, MD, OMPL, said, “The customer of today is a search engine expert and the first thing he does is visit the company’s website and websites that are really good are quite rare. We really need to start blogging and engaging with our stakeholders while posting on social media as it shows how engaging you are.”
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