TAAI's 67th Convention Transcending Borders – Transforming Lives

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) on the invitation from the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Board (SLTPB) will be holding its 67th Convention and Exhibition in Colombo, Sri Lanka from July 6 – 9, 2023 in Association with Sri Lanka Association of Inbound TourOperators(SLAITO).

Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, President, of TAAI, says, “We have been waiting for almost a year to host our ConventioninSriLankaandweare really glad that this is finally happening. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, and we are positive that our members will create good synergy with the local tour operators in Sri Lanka and collectively we will be able to increase the tourist traffic between the two countries that are already bound bythe Spiritual thread. SLTPB wants India Tourism Industry to be part of its growth story and witness the revival of the island country Sri Lanka has already welcomed around 75,000 Indian visitors this year (up till April 30) making India its biggest source market. They are excited to roll out the red carpet for around 500Indiandelegates,includingmedia,whowouldbeattendingtheConvention.With thefocustoformulateaVisionPlanforthefutureofTAAI,theConventionwillwitness meaningful discussions and debates that will help our members become stronger in theirbusinessarea.”

TAAI disclosed the theme of the Convention as – Transcending Borders –TransformingLives.

Mr Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI shared the schedule of the Convention with the media. “As per the tentative schedule, delegates will arrive in Colombo on July 6 and there will be a media briefing between 3 – 5 pm for the local as well as Indian media. Theopeningceremonywilltakeplaceat7pmatBMICH.OnJuly7and8,therewillbe BusinessSessionsandKnowledgeDiscussionsfrom10am–1pm.From2–5pm,there will be B2B Meetings for around 200 delegates while the balance of delegates will go on city tour and sightseeing on both days.AthemeDinnerisplannedforJuly7at Temple Trees, the official residence of the PMofSriLankaandonJuly8,aGalaevening is planned at the Heritance Negombo Hotel, which is a beautiful property, where delegateswillbeabletoenjoyafunevening on the beach. On July 9 the delegates can opt for day excursions from Colombo to Bentota / Kandy / Galle. They can also go for an overnight tour to the said places. 50 delegates per excursion/ post tours shall be accommodated on first-cum-fist basis More details on Speakers and Sessions will be shared as and when will be decided,” he outlined.

The Bengal Travel Mart (BTM), is North-East's biggest Travel & Tourism Fair and is scheduled from 9th to 11th September, 2023 in Siliguri, West Bengal. BTM brings together business enthusiast with their tourism products and services from across theregiontopromotetheoveralltourismprosperityinthisbeautifulregion.Siliguriis the gateway to Northeast and it is a very big tourist hub. Bengal Travel Mart is the biggest platform to boast tourism within this region and also to the neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. And also combining tourism of West Bengal with that of neighbouring states such as Sikkim, Bihar, Assam, Chattisgarh, Arunachal,MeghalayaandOdisha.

Bengal Travel Mart was conceptualized by Eastern Himalayas Travel and Tour Operators’ Association (EHTTOA) and was made possible by the blessings from Hon'bleChiefMinisterofWestBengal,Smt.MamataBanerjee&thethenMinisterin Charge,NorthBengalDevelopmentDepartment(NBDD),Hon'bleShriGoutamDeb.

The three-day event will enhance the tourist inflow to West Bengal and will focus on to showcase the state as a destination for domestic and international tourists.

Mr Lokesh Bettaiah, Hon Secretary General, TAAI sharing details of the Convention registration said that it is mandatory for all delegates to register online for this Convention. “We have made the process extremely user-friendly with all details regarding hotels and airlines clearly listed on the website along with all payment gateways. The Online Registrations will start from May28(Sunday)andweencourageyoualltoregisteringoodnumbers,”hesaid. Mr Paras Lakhia, Mananging Committee Member, TAAI will be handling the airline’s bookings and sharedthat theyhavenegotiatedthepricingwithfour partnerairlines–SriLankanAirlines,AirIndia,IndiGo,andAirVistara.

“The Inauguration is at BMICH, Day 2 Sessions are at Cinnamon Grand and Day 3 Sessions are at Shangri – La, followed by the B2B sessions in the respective hotels. Sri Lankan Tourism Ministry along with TAAI has made a request to the Hon. President of Sri Lanka for Free Visa for all Convention delegates & further going for all Indian Tourists.Weareawaitingconfirmationonthesame,”saidMrs.Mayal,adding,thatshe has seen a heart-warming dedication and commitment by the young and dynamic Sri LankanTourismMinisterHarinFernandoalongwiththeverycommitted&hospitable teamofSLAITOtohostTAAIforasuccessfulconvention.

BTM gives the platform to the local travel trade to showcase the tourism products, state’s infrastructure and the facilities to the national and global audience and especially to the trade people for better marketing of tourist and tourism facilities throughout West Bengal. The motto of this endeavour is to showcase the tourism infrastructure and facilities to the national and global audience and specially to the trade people for better marketing of tourist and tourism facilities throughout West Bengal. This is the 7th edition of the show and has plans to promote tourism, cultural programmes and business-to-business meetings. The participation from the neighbouringcountriesisalsoexpectedduringtheshow

The organiser EasternHimalayas Travel and TourOperators’ Association(EHTTOA) is one and only Tourism based association in Eastern Himalayan Region with its headquarter in Siliguri. Its membership reflects trust, quality and transparency in service.EHTTOAislookingforwardforrestoringbeauty,uniformityandimplementing better project in the region. It is a non profitable association connecting platform between Tourism, Travel & Hospitality sector and Industry stakeholders to create sustainableresponsibleTourism.More info - https://www bengaltravelmart in