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The Year Gone By – Region And Chapter Chairmen Share Their Thoughts
Compiled by Reema Sisodia
The TAAI administrative structure draws parallels with
the Indian government. Akin to the Union Cabinet, TAAI has its management committee
members; the Region and Chapter chairmen work like state heads. TAAI has used
a system of decentralisation to facilitate its working.
The four regions are:
1) Northern Region (chairman - Rajinder Rai)
2) Southern Region (chairman - R Sivaramakrishnan)
3) Eastern Region (chairman - Sanjoy Seth)
4) Western Region (ex-chairman - Sharukh Kapadia)
Apart from the Regions, the various Chapters are also
headed by a chairman. The chapters are as follows:
1) Karnataka Chapter (acting chairman C V Muralidhara)
2) Kerala Chapter (chairman K C Chandrahasan)
3) Gujarat Chapter (chairman Jayant Narayan Rao)
4) Andhra Pradesh Chapter (chairman Sunil Kumar)
5) Pune Chapter (chairman K K Rawat)
6) Punjab Chapter (chairman Dharampal Sondhi)
7) Jammu & Kashmir Chapter (chairman Nazir Bakshi)
8) South Gujarat Committee (chairman D Gopinathan)
9) Saurashtra Kutch Committee (chairman Devendra Shah)
10) Goa Chapter (chairman Valingo Dias)
On the eve of the TAAI Convention 2003, the chairman
of each Region and Chapter spoke to Express Travel & Tourism about the year
gone by, namely 2002-2003. We present the happenings of their respective areas,
that include:
a) Troubles encountered,
b) Triumphs if any,
c) Events and activities organised
d) Specific suggestions for the future of the association and trade
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| Sharukh Kapadia, ex-chairman |
Problems
TDS matters for the year 2001-2002 still remain unresolved. Some airlines
are still sending ADMs to agents which TAAI is looking into. Travel agents
should be the first to be informed regarding any hike in airline fares.
Information provided a day in advance should be fine.
Finding Solutions
Airlines have agreed to send ADMs first to agents, giving them an opportunity
to verify the ADMs before forwarding the same to BSP. The new process
for ADMs which is effective July 1, 2003 would reduce usage of BDRs to
a great extent as agents will first be given an opportunity to verify
the debit note before it comes in the BSP statement. Further, the income
tax department had also asked the travel agents to provide complete details
of all passengers booking with agents. It was a tedious and time consuming
task that would have required a huge force of manpower, infrastructure
and resources which was not a feasible option. Due to constant appeals
they have now settled down toward receiving details of those clients who
pay in cash above a certain amount.
Activities and Events
We have meetings on a regular basis with other players such as the airlines,
consulates etc. We also have staff training programmes where we recently
conducted a workshop jointly with British Airways to provide training
and updated information regarding the airlines to the staff. We aim to
conduct more interactive meets with the airlines as they need to understand
our needs and pay more heed to what we say.
Message
Communication between Chapters is a must. There needs to be more bonding.
The airlines should look into our problems. Solidarity in business is
the most important element.
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| K K Rawat, chairman |
Problems
TDS is a major issue that needs to be solved.
Finding Solutions
Minor issues always crop up which are addressed within the Chapter set
up. An issue with the passport office was recently addressed. The time
slot for passport related formalities, which was short has now been extended,
helping the agents further.
Activities and Events
We do conduct regular workshops for the front line staff and training
programmes and interactive meets.
Message
There is yet lots to be achieved. Hardwork is the only solution to success.
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| C V Muralidhara, acting chairman |
Problems
The agents in the Chapter get letters from the IT Department to give details
of passengers who have travelled abroad and spent more than Rs 25,000.
TDS is also an unnecessary burden. Reduction of commission in domestic
and international airlines and a new domestic airlines with ‘No Commission’
to agents. Non-issuance of manual stock and poor quality of ticket stock.
Finding Solutions
The Karnataka Chapter has filed a case with Karnataka High Court over
TDS. Members are unanimous about not paying TDS for period June 1, 2001
to March 2002, as members have already filed their IT Returns and assessment
is all over. The Chapter has a system of alerting agents to be cautious
about unscrupulous companies, who keep outstanding dues with one agent
and then change over to another one. With the help of the Southern Region,
we have been able to have interactive sessions with the US Chief Consul
General. After meeting Passport Office officials, we have got permission
for submission by agents.
Activities and Events
We are planning to have outstation meetings in places like Mangalore,
Mysore, etc. since we have members from these cities. We are planning
to have an Overseas Chapter Meeting. Plans are also on to have more interactive
meetings with domestic airlines/international airlines/passport officials/BSP
Reps/consulates and high commission officials for mutual co-operation.
Message
It is important that the above mentioned problems see an early solution.
On a positive note, I also extends my best wishes for the forthcoming
TAAI Convention .
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| Dharampal Sondhi, chairman |
Problems
Dealing with the passport office is a tight rope walk. Much has to be
done by the Punjab tourism department to improve the tourism conditions.
Single window clearance, improved transport facilities and proper maintenance
of place would give tourism the desired boost.
Finding Solutions
We are making efforts to bring about improvement in the state.
Activities and Events
We have regular get-togethers between members.
Message
All the issues need to be addressed on a common platform.
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| D Gopinathan, chairman |
Problems
The most important problem faced by the committee is the passport problem.
It takes at least 6-8 months to get a passport as there is only one passport
office in the entire state based in Ahmedabad. Though Ahmedabad is an
international airport there is no Emigration office there. Except Jet
Airways, Air-India and Indian Airlines no airlines have their offices
here. They operate through the GSAs.
Finding Solutions
We are trying are best to request the authorities to pay heed to the problem.
It is more of a central issue which has to be pushed further by the national
body.
Activities and Events
We meet once every two months to address issues and find solutions. We
also aim to improve train connectivity to Baroda which is also developing
fast in the state.
Message
Gujarat tourism needs to take major steps to improve the tourism conditions
in the state. The liquor prohibition policy should be relaxed so that
the state can also get MICE business.
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| Sanjoy Seth, chairman |
Problems
TDS continues to be a chronic problem. Service Tax increase is another
issue. The other problems specific to the region are taken up case-by-case
and solved within the region itself.
Finding Solutions
The eastern region members approached a few airlines to permit agents
to conduct bookings for all classes through the GDS. Air Sahara is the
first which has granted approval to make practically all reservations
including special classes through the GDS. The sub-committee in-charge
of passport matters has prepared a comprehensive rule book on all matters
relating to the issuance of passports and allied services which is awaiting
the approval of the regional passport office.
Activities and Events
We hold interactive sessions with officials from the tourism industry
once every six weeks. Recently the US Consul General interacted with the
members of the Chapter.
Message
Airlines and agents must work in harmony. Travel agents should foster
better co-ordination amongst themselves.
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| Rajinder Rai, chairman |
Problems
The northern region considers the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) problem
as a major irritant. Apart from this, the northern region is still not
listed within the TAAI portion of the APJC scheme.
Finding Solutions
Regular meetings and discussions take place with members where they address
their problems.
Activities and Events
We have joined hands with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Nepal Association
of Travel Agents (NATA) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to
boost tourism in Nepal. A conclave was organised on June 30, 2003 in Kathmandu
which was attended by 90 professionals from the trade. TAAI-NR is also
planning a similar workshop with the J&K Chapter to work with each
other for joint promotions.
Message
The growth of tourism will largely depend on a professional approach and
how dynamic we are in responding to the emerging trends.
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| Sunil Kumar, chairman |
Problems
Andhra Pradesh is a GSA market. It is important for airlines to establish
representative offices in the capital. A full-fledged airline office would
prove to be a boon in Hyderabad as it would facilitate decision-making
since GSAs cannot take all decisions on their own. Like the others we
are also no exception to the TDS problem.
Finding Solutions
We are trying to request airlines to have their offices in the state.
Activities and Events
We organise an annual event called Fast Track, which is a live mega quiz
event for the staff across travel agencies in the state. The event is
organised with state of the art systems and is conducted on a wide scale.
Get-togethers, meetings and dinners are also part of the activities organised
by the chapter. We also organise sports events like cricket matches between
airline and travel agency staff. We have also made every effort to promote
Qatar as a tourism destination, which has resulted in the operation of
regular flights from Hyderabad to Doha. Last month we had a TAAI meeting
in Qatar to discuss future tourism plans between the regions. We also
have comprehensive trade directory and local tourism directory designed
specifically for the tourism fraternity. The Chapter is also highly proactive
in promoting the state as an ideal tourism destination along with the
AP state tourism body. It is involved in participating in AP state tourism
road shows and promoting the state as an ideal conference destination.
Message
Networking is highly important in the business and we are looking forward
to the convention at Malaysia.
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| Nazir Bakshi, chairman |
Problems
The state is tourism splendour and it is important for it to be projected
in the right perspective. The media has gone against the state by projecting
wrong images. Airlines should also render co-operation, which in turn
will facilitate air travel to the state. The state does not receive any
benefits such as Apex fares and point to point fares schemes. AITT should
also be waved off.
Finding Solutions
We are making every effort to improve the conditions in the state by projecting
it as a safe region. The J&K tourism department is also highly proactive
in spreading the message of the state being conducive for tourism.
Activities and Events
We aim to recreate the magic amongst the Bollywood circuit. Recently a
high level directors team headed by Yash Chopra visited the region to
commence shooting in the state. Educating the masses about the destination
and its safety is very important, which we aim to do on a regular basis.
Efforts are on to convince the Railways department to improve the network
to the region.
Message
Please come to Kashmir. Travel agents in the region should join the mainstream
and get involved in the functioning of the travel industry. Please come
and invest, as this is indeed the right time to invest.
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| K C Chandrahasan, chairman |
Problems
There haven't been any problem specific to the region, but the common
problems faced by our counterparts in other regions are also major irritants
to us. TDS, etc are problems that need a definite solution.
Finding Solutions
We have held regular meets with a specific airline to extend their attractive
schemes and packages to the state. Due to regular meetings, this scheme
was ultimately extended to the state of Kerala for the benefit of its
agents.
Activities and Events
We hold our TAAI meeting once in 45 days. We as members have regular meetings
with airlines, CRS companies and also the passport office to discuss issues
and pending problems associated with the airlines.
Message
It is high time the travel agents fraternity works together. The market
today is volatile and challenges are the order of the day. E-ticketing
etc is fast catching up a concepts. We need to continue upgrading ourselves
where learning and awareness is a constant process. To survive one has
to be in sync with the changing work environment.
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| Valigno Dias, chairman |
Problems
TDS a national problem. The airlines issue two-year-old debt notes which
they expect agents to pay. Competition has also resulted in unhealthy
functioning in business.
Finding Solutions
We have been successful in solving the problems of touts around the passport
office, which use to be rather chaotic. The situation has now improved
and we are now official agents of the passport office since 2002.
Activities and Events
We meet on a regular basis to discuss issues
Message
Lets work toward a more healthy and harmonious work environment.
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| Devendra Shah, chairman |
Problems
The main problem in the state is the passport problem. It takes eight-10
months for the issuing of passport. TDS is yet another problem which requires
solution.
Finding Solutions
We try our best to make every efforts to solve our problems.
Activities and Events
We have meetings with airlines and CRS companies to discuss or issues
and problems. We meet once in 45 days.
Message
It is important for the Gujarat government to take tourism rather seriously.
The state has a lot to offer.
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