TAAI convention in PHUKET
This is the third time that a convention is being held in South east asia.Last the event was held in Dubai.
The 59th annual convention ‘Indian Travel Congress’ of Travel Agents’ Association of India (TAAI) has been scheduled to start 24th September, until 27 September in Laguna, Phuket. The event is likely to be attended by around 800 delegates apart from the Tourism officials of India and Thailand and also travel industry leaders from both the countries. This is the third time that a convention is being held in South east asia.Last the event was held in Dubai.
The event goes by its theme ‘ Be the game changer’ which is intended at being the prime driving force behind the congress. The event shall also be instrumental in promoting two-way business between the two countries and provide a platform for networking, exchanging views and promoting common goals, while also giving an opportunity to hear from leading luminaries of tourism industries from around the world.
The key highlight issues to be addressed would be those of current challenges, cost reduction and alternative marketing, talent development and retention, harnessing technology, leveraging new business opportunities among others. The convention is also being anticipated to strengthen the existing tourism flux between the two countries. Thailand has been a favourite destination of Indians for a long time now on account of the affordability, geographical proximity and a quality holiday. The historic connect and cultural similarities between the two nations aside; the visibility that the event can render to the participants will enable to develop future business opportunities
It is also interesting to note that the convention coincides with the 60th anniversary of Indo-Thai relations. In terms of economic contribution, Thailand draws its major GDP from Tourism alone. Tourism industry was said to have contributed 6.7% of Thailand’s GDP in 2007.
Up to 2001 Thai investments in India accounted for in terms of amount of FDI approved were 24.40% for hotel and tourism industry alone. Hotel and tourism has been the major contributor from all sectors of Thai investments in India. As per the reports last year Thailand was targeting $10 billion trade with India by 2010 of which tourism and hospitality industry sounded to constitute the largest share owing to the surge of FDI from these sectors into India.
Thailand had also waived visa fees till March 2010 as a measure to boost tourism. It is also reducing take-off and landing charges for aircraft, and has considered lowering entrance fees at national parks by 50% and also providing free travel insurance. Thailand also came up with novel ideas, as arranging quizzes at Indian schools to promote tourism.
In 2008, 5 lakh Indian tourists went to Thailand. Over 614,000 Indians visited Thailand last year. Despite the plunge in tourism since 2008, stability was regained by 10% increase in the inbound tourists from September to 40% in December last year.
By being a ‘game changer’ TAAI is propelling the participants towards taking into stride the various challenges that have been faced by the travel-tourism industry. Improving infrastructure, rising the stature of travel agents, removing deficiencies in quality service, creating employment in tourism and hospitality sectors, emphasizing the significance of role played by a travel consultant in relation to online or internet services, etc. are just some of the key challenges in the pipeline that are to be countered.
=Jagdeep Rikhy, Co-Chairman – TAAI Convention Committee says, “The global economic slowdown and the ever-increasing requirements of the tourism and travel industry have brought about profound changes in travel agents’ attitudes. The industry, to ensure an income to the travel agent, has taken on a new dimension that, looking beyond air matters, focuses on the overall product, the contents of which ranges from the simple to the sophisticated.” He adds that The theme of our Convention " Be ... the Game Changer " , urges TAAI members to set a new benchmark for themselves . The delegates should expect to gain on many fronts from the TAAI Annual Convention at Phuket this year . Besides invigorating business sessions conducted by eminent personalities there will be immense oppurtunities at the Phuket Convention to , network , be delightfully entertained , find solace in the peaceful spas , explore the beautiful paradise island of Phuket and experience the warm hospitality which Thailand is famous the world over
“Innovation in this world is the best way to win – arguably the only way to really win. Innovation is not a separate discrete activity but the job of everyone in a leadership position and the integral, central driving force for any business that wants to grow and succeed on sustained basis. The Indian Travel Congress in Phuket is aimed to helping you be the ‘Game Changer’ become the leader of innovation.,according to Mr. Rajji Rai, President TAAI and Convention Chairman. "The delegates should expect to gain on many fronts from the TAAI Annual Convention at Phuket this year" .
The 59th annual convention ‘Indian Travel Congress’ of Travel Agents’ Association of India (TAAI) has been scheduled to start 24th September, until 27 September in Laguna, Phuket. The event is likely to be attended by around 800 delegates apart from the Tourism officials of India and Thailand and also travel industry leaders from both the countries. This is the third time that a convention is being held in South east asia.Last the event was held in Dubai.
The event goes by its theme ‘ Be the game changer’ which is intended at being the prime driving force behind the congress. The event shall also be instrumental in promoting two-way business between the two countries and provide a platform for networking, exchanging views and promoting common goals, while also giving an opportunity to hear from leading luminaries of tourism industries from around the world.
The key highlight issues to be addressed would be those of current challenges, cost reduction and alternative marketing, talent development and retention, harnessing technology, leveraging new business opportunities among others. The convention is also being anticipated to strengthen the existing tourism flux between the two countries. Thailand has been a favourite destination of Indians for a long time now on account of the affordability, geographical proximity and a quality holiday. The historic connect and cultural similarities between the two nations aside; the visibility that the event can render to the participants will enable to develop future business opportunities
It is also interesting to note that the convention coincides with the 60th anniversary of Indo-Thai relations. In terms of economic contribution, Thailand draws its major GDP from Tourism alone. Tourism industry was said to have contributed 6.7% of Thailand’s GDP in 2007.
Up to 2001 Thai investments in India accounted for in terms of amount of FDI approved were 24.40% for hotel and tourism industry alone. Hotel and tourism has been the major contributor from all sectors of Thai investments in India. As per the reports last year Thailand was targeting $10 billion trade with India by 2010 of which tourism and hospitality industry sounded to constitute the largest share owing to the surge of FDI from these sectors into India.
Thailand had also waived visa fees till March 2010 as a measure to boost tourism. It is also reducing take-off and landing charges for aircraft, and has considered lowering entrance fees at national parks by 50% and also providing free travel insurance. Thailand also came up with novel ideas, as arranging quizzes at Indian schools to promote tourism.
In 2008, 5 lakh Indian tourists went to Thailand. Over 614,000 Indians visited Thailand last year. Despite the plunge in tourism since 2008, stability was regained by 10% increase in the inbound tourists from September to 40% in December last year.
By being a ‘game changer’ TAAI is propelling the participants towards taking into stride the various challenges that have been faced by the travel-tourism industry. Improving infrastructure, rising the stature of travel agents, removing deficiencies in quality service, creating employment in tourism and hospitality sectors, emphasizing the significance of role played by a travel consultant in relation to online or internet services, etc. are just some of the key challenges in the pipeline that are to be countered.
=Jagdeep Rikhy, Co-Chairman – TAAI Convention Committee says, “The global economic slowdown and the ever-increasing requirements of the tourism and travel industry have brought about profound changes in travel agents’ attitudes. The industry, to ensure an income to the travel agent, has taken on a new dimension that, looking beyond air matters, focuses on the overall product, the contents of which ranges from the simple to the sophisticated.” He adds that The theme of our Convention " Be ... the Game Changer " , urges TAAI members to set a new benchmark for themselves . The delegates should expect to gain on many fronts from the TAAI Annual Convention at Phuket this year . Besides invigorating business sessions conducted by eminent personalities there will be immense oppurtunities at the Phuket Convention to , network , be delightfully entertained , find solace in the peaceful spas , explore the beautiful paradise island of Phuket and experience the warm hospitality which Thailand is famous the world over
“Innovation in this world is the best way to win – arguably the only way to really win. Innovation is not a separate discrete activity but the job of everyone in a leadership position and the integral, central driving force for any business that wants to grow and succeed on sustained basis. The Indian Travel Congress in Phuket is aimed to helping you be the ‘Game Changer’ become the leader of innovation.,according to Mr. Rajji Rai, President TAAI and Convention Chairman. "The delegates should expect to gain on many fronts from the TAAI Annual Convention at Phuket this year" .
