Hyderabad, Sept 10: The AP and Telangana Chapter of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) concluded a week long celebration marking the association’s 75th anniversary.
The celebrations were held under the theme “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” They brought together travel and tourism industry stakeholders.
TAAI Highlights Travel Trade’s Changing Role
The programme included TAAI Crickfest, a Heritage Walk and a knowledge and career focused session on travel, tourism and hospitality.
The celebrations also featured a tourism and travel quiz at Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University. A round table meeting discussed industry opportunities, challenges and future trends.
The week long programme concluded with a Grand Gala Dinner. Ranjit Nayak, IFS, Director of Tourism, Government of Telangana, TAAI President Sunil Kumar and Vice President Lokesh Bettiah attended the celebrations.
TAAI AP and Telangana Chapter Chairman Nagesh Pampati said the anniversary was more than an organisational milestone.
Founded in 1951, TAAI began four years after India gained Independence. It was established when organised travel was still developing in the country.
Pampati said the association began with 12 travel agents seeking professionalism, ethical practices and greater order in the travel trade.
He said TAAI has now grown into a national network of more than 2,500 members supported by 20 Regional Units and Chapters.
Over the past 75 years, TAAI has witnessed major changes in Indian travel. These include manual bookings, traditional tour operations, digital platforms, experiential tourism, MICE and technology driven travel.
Pampati said the importance of TAAI lies in its institutional experience, industry advocacy, professional practices and ability to adapt.
He said the next phase could focus on redefining the travel professional in the age of artificial intelligence.
“AI is unlikely to eliminate the travel agent,” Pampati said. He added that it could reduce the relevance of agents whose main role is finding fares, hotels and basic itineraries.
According to Pampati, future travel professionals will increasingly work as travel advisors, experience designers, problem solvers and trusted human interfaces.
He said TAAI helped transform travel agency from an individual business activity into an organised profession.
Pampati also stressed professionalism and accountability in the travel sector. Travel professionals handle customer money, documents, visas, flights, hotels and complete travel experiences.
He said TAAI has provided the travel trade with a collective voice before governments, regulators, airlines, tourism authorities and other institutions.
The association has also brought together travel agents, airlines, hotels, tour operators, tourism boards and other stakeholders.
Pampati said travel professionals play an important role in converting destinations into itineraries, packages, bookings and visitors.
TAAI has more than 2,500 members and 20 Regional Units and Chapters across India. Its ecosystem also includes more than 100 industry partners.
The association said it has arrangements with organisations in more than 25 countries to promote bilateral tourism.
Pampati said TAAI’s growth from 12 founding members to more than 2,500 members reflects the expansion and professionalisation of India’s travel industry.
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