Tag Archives: TAFI

TAFI to host their convention in Kuching, Malaysia with 700 delegates from 20-23 September 2022. Exclusively for the members, it will have 550 TAFI members and 200 Malaysian delegates. “We want to educate the members, add value to the people who attend the convention and improve the business”, said Anil Kalsi, Joint Secretary, TAFI.

Travel Agents Federation of India’s eastern region chairman Anil Punjabi said with a lot of bookings and enquiries from people from various countries and Indian states, tourist arrivals to Kolkata and other parts of the state will be at an “all-time high” this time during Durga Puja. 

After a gap of four years, The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) announces its Convention at Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia this September from 20th to 23rd 2022. The theme of the convention is BUILD  BACK  BETTER. Elaborating on the theme, President Ajay Prakash said, “As we seek recovery post-COVID, it is vital that the tourism industry does not forget the lessons of the Pandemic. As one of the biggest global industries, the power of tourism to shape the world is phenomenal. It can be a powerful force for doing good, not only for the stake holders but for the entire world. Build  Back  Better encapsulates the resolve to rebuild tourism in a more responsible and sustainable manner.” 

The Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI) signed an MoU with IDFC First Bank to facilitate digital payments. Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI, who was present at the signing ceremony, said that the members can avail of this opportunity to get digital payment platforms for their agencies such as POS machines and payments links, among others. The rates negotiated between TAFI and IDFC First Bank will be a winning proposition for both the parties, Prakash said.

Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI, has said, “Yoga is India’s gift to the world. Wellness Tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the industry and yoga occupies a very important place in the pursuit of wellness. The Covid pandemic brought mass tourism to a halt and as travel revives we can see a shift in the attitude of travellers – they are more focused and more discerning. India is uniquely placed as the home of three vital elements of wellness – yoga, Ayurveda and meditation, together they constitute a powerful magnet to attract the sensitive and ecologically aware tourist to our country.”

Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI said that they have written to the major European consulates asking them to resolve the visa issues on priority since it has become a damper in the revival of travel. They have asked them to add any additional staff if required without any delay so that the tourism can get back. 

Air India recently started permitting Indian travel agents to issue tickets on their Canada route. Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI said “It was an unfair decision earlier and I think they have finally realised that agents are an intergral part of the airline booking process and I’m glad that Air India has finally woken up to this. Let’s hope that Air India will continue to be proactive and will keep the agents’ fraternity involved and engaged as they go forward embarking on trying to revive Air India.”

Ajay Prakash, President of TAFI, has emphasised the importance of working with the government to devise a method to protect travel agents’ funds. “We must now continue to build on this as a team to ensure security for our travel agents.” Payments to principals by travel agents constitute unsecured credit, and we must ensure that some type of system, such as escrow, guarantee, or underwriting-based methods are in place to keep travel agents’ money safe. We look forward to engaging with the government on this,” he said.

Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has formed seven committees intending to involve more members in leadership roles in TAFI’s activities. The Educational & Communication Committee that produces TAFI fortnightly has tied up with Marriott Hotels and is encouraging its members to sign up for Marriott Hotels Excellence programme. Sensitive and Sustainable Tourism is another thrust area for TAFI, said Ajay Prakash, president, TAFI. The committee is organizing a session on  Sustainable Tourism for its members and training will be imparted to the frontline staff to improve their competence in day-to-day operations. 

Secretary Tourism, Arvind Singh had called for a virtual meeting with the Associations and industry stakeholders to discuss and develop “India Vision @ 2047” for the tourism industry. Ajay Prakash, TAFI President gave his inputs and suggested that generating 100 million tourists would require a new mindset among all stakeholders – from luxury hotels and tour operators to the taxi drivers, guides and all other segments of the trade.