At the event, Jyoti Mayal, President TAAI, said, “I am truly delighted for receiving such an overwhelming response from the industry ever since we have announced the Convention in Sri Lanka. In the present scenario, there is an immediate need to build on our regional strengths and to explore more opportunities for growth in travel and tourism. The theme of the Convention ‘Collaborate to Conquer’, will focus to promote and establish travel and tourism between the two nations of Sri Lanka and India. SLTPB being the Main Sponsor for the 3day event in Sri Lanka, is looking forward to showcase their products and services to the Indian stakeholder partners, who shall boost bi-lateral Tourism into and from Sri Lanka. We have survived a tough phase and now have embarked the revival journey with positivity and vigour. Our mission is to build trust and confidence to deal with the challenges that exist in the new normal and move forward with a unified strategy for future sustenance through collaborations.”
Sharing a virtual message with the guests present, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson, Kimarli Fernando stated, “It is a pleasure to partner with TAAI to host its 66th Convention and Exhibition in Sri Lanka. India being one of the main source markets for Sri Lanka, TAAI Convention is a great opportunity to promote tourism experiences of Sri Lanka to the Indian market. Key tourism product segments such as culture, and religious tourism, weddings, films will have a great potential in attracting Indian travellers. India has become a vital market for Sri Lanka Tourism in a post pandemic environment with many airlines operating to major tourist generating cities in India. Sri Lanka Tourism believes that the industry stakeholders will take the maximum exposure by engaging with the Indian travel trade during the upcoming TAAI convention.”
Ms. Rupinder Brar IRS, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, who was also present of the occasion, shared her delight for see not just outbound travel resume but also the fact that TAAI Convention aims to promote India in Sri Lanka. “India and Sri Lanka are two very important countries in terms of tourism and the 66th TAAI Convention will provide a valuable opportunity to tourism stakeholders to collaborate for trade and business with the fast-growing Indian outbound Industry. I am glad to know that TAAI will promote ‘Inbound into India’ as an important subject at this convention and will strive to attract Sri Lankans to connect well with India,” she added.
The dignitaries and officials from TAAI unveiled the Convention Brochure and Logo in the presence of industry professionals, representatives from Sri Lanka Tourism, SLAITO and Sri Lanka High Commission. Officials from MoT, GOI and from SLAITO had also joined in virtually to attend the event.
“With the global aviation and economies opening up for tourism, especially in the light of commercial flights restarting from March 27, there is no better time than now to hold this Convention. We – the travel trade of India, can reiterate with confidence to the traveller by ourselves travelling overseas with renewed vigour. TAAI has taken this rightful opportunity to hold this Indian Travel Congress in Sri Lanka, so as to facilitate international mobility amongst our members and the trade at large. This shall give us all a platform to ‘Collaborate to Conquer’ with all our stakeholder partners in India and overseas,” said Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI.
Also present on the occasion, Ms. Madubhani Perera, Director – PR, SLTPB gave a visually attractive and informative presentation on all that destination Sri Lanka has to offer. From its captivating topography to its cuisine, heritage, wildlife and touristy spots, Ms. Perera showcased it all in detail through her presentation.
Mr. Ravindran Veeraperumal, Regional Manager – India & Bangladesh – SriLankan Airlines, also gave an exhaustive and enlightening presentation on the airline’s operations and its expansion plans for the future. The airline is also the official airline sponsor for the 66th Convention & Exhibition of TAAI in Colombo this year. Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer – Commercial, Indigo Airlines was also present on the dais and congratulated TAAI for being the torch bearers of holding an international convention in post pandemic era.
Concluding the event, Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Secretary General, TAAI thanked the industry veterans, stalwarts and his team mates while inviting guests to participate at the upcoming Convention. The response so far has been overwhelming.
“Sri Lanka has always been one of the favourite destinations for Indians and now with the international skies opening up, it is an ideal destination for hosting the convention. Sri Lanka’s close proximity to India along with its focus on boosting regional tourism, strengthening bilateral relations and developing trade, investments and tourism makes it an important market for our country. The convention will provide a wonderful opportunity for our delegates to experience the serene beauty of this unique island country. We at TAAI look forward to welcoming our member delegates from “Incredible India” into the serene “So Sri Lanka”.
A fruitful networking session between a delegation from Sri Lanka and TAAI members took place today in New Delhi which was attended by over200 stakeholder partners/members of TAAI, stated TAAI-Hon. Treasurer Mr. Shreeram Patel was also present on the occasion and felt that with the overwhelming response to the roadshow; SLTPB, SLAITO and TAAI are excited to welcome all delegates for the Convention in Colombo.
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