"I believe changes bring better results with new ideas and thoughts brought in," said Praveen Chugh, the outgoing chairman of TAFI (NI), handing over the mantle to new office bearers as the chapter recently elected a new executive committee. While M S Chawla is the new chairman, Vipin Singal and Chitra Bhatia are the secretary and treasurer respectively.

Commenting on how the new body plans to move ahead, Chawla said, "The incoming and outgoing office bearers will sit together and decide on future activities. We will send out communications seeking views and ideas on the new agenda and seeking volunteers for the core group as well. We want to follow the working pattern of global bodies where the agenda is driven by CEOs with direction given by board members based on the inputs from members," said Chawla.

Significantly, Chawla and Chugh categorically stated that maintaining harmony between the principle and agent for the benefit of the consumer, rather than fighting with the government would be their focus. "New products will be developed and implemented like free telephone cards for travellers or even insurances. TAFI would generate a collective fund to indemnify passenger loss thus guaranteeing compensation to passengers," said Chawla, but went on to add quickly, "Of course, the views have to be endorsed by the head office."

Hence, revenue generation for the organisation and giving members value addition will top the priority list of the body, as Chawla believes in drawing membership through the action of the association. The chapter plans to tow the line of ASTAA, who worked out an override deal with Royal Caribbean. "Members must get inputs related to the revenue generated. We are working towards giving them some override on certain products. For instance, we are talking to hotel chains to give TAFI members’ special rates, which in turn will enable us to give better rates to corporates. Similarly, we are talking to insurance companies for joint insurance schemes - which will reduce the premium by a good amount. While TAFI will keep a percentage of the premium, the rest will be passed on to the members," he elaborated.

"Just the way we started the joint bank guarantee scheme. If Rs 4,000 (read membership fee) eliminates the need to give individual bank guarantee - that’s return on investment," pointed out Chugh.

From L-R: Praveen Chugh, outgoing chairman, Chitra Bhatia, honorary treasurer, M S Chawla, chairman, Sanjay Verma, outgoing honorary secretary, Vipin Singh, honorary secretary and Kapil Kumria, honorary treasurer. All members represent the TAFI (NI) Chapter