TAAI (Western India) Workshop
Charmaine Fernz /Mumbai

The recently concluded Travel Agents Association of India - Western India (TAAI -WI) workshop held at the Dukes Retreat, Khandala, saw an overwhelming participation to the tune of approximately 70 delegates and 16 speakers. With cocktails and dinner sponsored by Emirates, Air Sahara and brunch by Lufthansa, the workshop was also a ‘perfect’ getaway from the hustle and bustle of routine work (was the theme - A Bonding Relationship - pertinent?). Though well attended, the workshop did touch ed upon relevant topics like airlines, BSP, CRS, and, last but not the least tourism. However, the question that arises is will all these issues/plans be implemented, and if so, when? In this brief summarisation of each session, we will see the extent bonding.

‘The Way Forward’ - International Travel

The year 2001 has been most detrimental especially for the airline industry. Post 9/11, the industry went through one of the worst phases, which indirectly also affected the travel agents (TAs). This did not deter TAs from the regular controversies coming up now and again. However, putting aside differences the need of the hour was ‘solidarity’, which is definitely the ‘flight to success’. Session one touched upon pertinent issues of the travel industry, realising that presently the main focus is unity and not adversity.

Rightly expressed, “In the relationship between airlines and TAs, interaction is necessary with confidence rather than hostility. It’s also forums like this that strengthen the relationship with TAs, which are seriously taken with interest,” said Geeta Menon. The new fare structure was certainly considered to bring in transparency. However, what mattered most was one’s ‘Perception’ as Sriram rightly put it. It is necessary to change the mindset of the people to create a more positive attitude towards flying and that, ‘it is safe to fly’. The travel fraternity should also view the 9/11 incident as not just a ‘blow’, but as an accelerator, said Narayan. The industry could also look forward to the return of the Concorde.

However, with a number of carriers shutting down, what remains are the alliances. According to Naresh Gaind, “These alliances are getting stronger and they certainly have a meaning. Online presence should be viewed with optimism and should not be considered a threat. Agents should also differentiate between fares for business and leisure travellers.”

Concluding, Gordon Jacobs stressed that the inventorys have been misused though not intentionally but mostly due to customer pressure. So, what’s of prime importance is a bonding relationship. Punitive measures to counter inventory misuse can be set up but we have to work towards a partnership rather than a relationship.

‘Above All’ : Billing & Settlement Plan

IATA - known as the executor had two messages. “Firstly, IATA functions and is certainly working towards helping the trade. Secondly, we are the link among the trade, said an optimistic Yadav. The BSPlink was the talk of the day or I could say session. A BSP official spoke about the functionality and services the link would offer travel agents and airlines alike. BSPlink is nothing, but a global Internet system between the airline and agents. Its user-friendly and easy access worldwide provides immediate reports and information on current billing.

Commenting on a futuristic note, Yadav said that the BSPlink is an ideal model and connects through the ISP. All transactions would also be conducted through the BSPlink, which would certainly make processing easier. It also provides 100 percent accuracy. Once implemented, it would make smoother and all issues could be addressed online. For further information, one could log on to the website: www.iata.org/idfs/india.

Concluding, Yadav added that IATA is an implementor, which is unbiased. So agents and airlines alike should grab the opportunity and also be dynamic to change. The session certainly had a lot of debatable topics, which certainly put Yadav ‘above all’.

‘Our Existence’ - Tourism Matters

A much-talked about topic, indeed! Tourism, but why is there no awareness? The main reason cited was lack of professionalism. It’s not far off, when foreigners will package India and its tourism products. Would we like this to happen? was the question put forward by Ram Chopra. Looking at this point in a reflective manner, the country certainly needs to gear up, if we have to reach an objective - being recognised globally.

The airport is the first interface for any tourist, before getting acquainted with the country. As the saying goes, ‘first impressions are the last impressions’, but this certainly doesn’t stand true for India. Though boasting international standards and facilities, the airport at face-value doesn’t seem to create a lasting impression. A number of developments are in the pipeline for the domestic and international airport viz the terminals, trolleys, parking space etc. Touting has been a menace to Indians and we are looking into this matter, but need cooperation from the people, said an optimistic Kumar.

Reverting back to tourism, Singh added that if tourism did not matter, we would not be gathered to talk about it. Maharashtra needs a change of perception, as far as the people are concerned. We have to create a premium destination, wherein it would be a ‘one for all and all for one’ concept. This means unity and diversity. The new Maharashtra Unlimited campaign aims to showcase to the world, that Maharashtra’s virgin destinations that are comparable to world-famous tourist spots. Through these campaigns, we are trying to lure the end consumer.

India also needs to have world-class training institutes because, it is through these institutes that we create world-class leaders. Concluding, Singh added that in the world of Welsh: One has to think world-class and do world-class things to create a world-class destination. Couldn’t have been said.

“Civilisation Advances....” - Central Reservation Systems

Change is inevitable, but the focus of the session was why should we re-engineer for the future? Briefing through the history of the CRS, Behram Dastoor, delved into the origin and advancement of the CRS systems. He cleared the misconception of the fact that CRS existed right from the 1930’s (with the request and reply system) and not only from the 1980’s. The session mostly dealt with product profiles of all the CRS, what were their advantages and disadvantages and how it would benefit the travel agent.

On a futuristic note, topics covered were e-ticketing, insurance, speciality bookings etc.

‘Opportunities Ahead’ - Domestic Air Travel

Post 9/11, the domestic scenario has certainly gone through its share of ups and downs. Alternatively, costs have been increasing disproportionately, thereby resulting in cutting down of space requirements to keep up with the present situation, said Krishnamurthy. Though, not a very pleasant scene for Jet as Kripalani adds, “We are forced to take action, since situations have been bad for Jet. However, we are looking at lean season promotions.”

Contrary, Air Sahara was pretty optimistic about the future. Talking about a number of developments and plans, Mohan elucidated the efficiency of service and its commitment. The domestic scene has not been upbeat of late, but there are signs of it picking up in the near future.

In a nutshell, the workshop though informative was also entertaining and delved into various topics affecting the industry at present. The solution, however, would be for the airlines and travel agents to come together,keeping aside differences and working towards a common goal to put the industry back on its feet.

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