At the recent 22nd Annual General Body Meeting of the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), held at Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, the following were elected to serve the association for the term 2016-2018.
- President: Praveen Chugh, Business Travels
- Vice president: Pradip Lulla, Cupid Travels & Tours
- National general secretary: Aditi Bhende, Aarohan Tours & Travel
- Treasurer: Jayesh Tharani, Hopco Travels
Whereas, the following have been been elected as managing committee members:
- A. Basheer Ahmed, Chennai Metro Travels
- Rajat Bagaria, Shrishti Tours & Travels
- Urvashi D Mohan, Delfly Travels
- Bharat Shah, Sunbeams Travels (Baroda)
- Darshan Shah, All Four Season Travels
- Sanjay Gupta, Simran Travels (co-opted)
- Teddy Thomas, The Oasis Xpress Travel & Tours (co-opted)
Zakkir Ahmed of Trust Travel & Tours has been elected as immediate past president.
TAFI president, Chugh stated that a huge responsibility had been placed on him and his team, but with co-operation, support and understanding, he was confident that much could be achieved for the benefit of members. He admitted that the travel trade was going through challenging times in a competitive market. He said, “With numerous avenues open to the customer, travel agents and tour operators need to innovate and explore new ways of staying in business. With technology being a powerful medium, travel agents need to better equip themselves to face their competitors. This is a tough and uphill task, but if we jointly work together and tap each other’s resources, all could be in business and earn a decent remuneration.”
Chugh pointed out that tourism and aviation industries are equally striving to reach greater heights. With various hotel properties opening up Tier II and Tier III cities, the potential for business is increasing. “Similarly on the aviation front, with more and larger aircraft, and availability of cheaper fares, possibilities of selling seats has become an attractive proposition and we need to exploit it,” added Chugh.
TAFI began its new term with the implementation of the Joint Bank Guarantee Arrangement (JBGA), which is considered a big step forward for the 139 members who have opted to participate in the JBGA and grow in business. “Our members and their interest is our concern, and we will do everything possible to try and meet their goals and aspirations,” he concluded.
