Ministers View

Express Travel & Tourism presents the ministers expectations, views on the upcoming TAAI convention to be held in Kolkata and its implications on the Eastern region

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Chief minister, West Bengal

I am happy to know that the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is organising its 53rd Annual Convention in Kolkata from September 24-27, 2004.

Travel agents play an important role in promoting tourism. I am sure that the convention in Kolkata will provide an excellent opportunity to the participants to interact on issues relating to travel and tourism. West Bengal can become a very important tourist destination through the combined efforts of all concerned. Our government is committed to facilitating the growth of tourism industry and its related activities in West Bengal.

Renuka Chowdhury Minister of state for tourism (independent charge), government of India, New Delhi

I am happy to learn that the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the national body representing travel agents in the country is holding their 53rd annual convention `The Indian Travel Congress’ from September 24-27, 2004.

Tourism today, is one of the world’s largest industries and a major engine of economic growth in most parts of the world. In India, we are positioning tourism as a major contributor to the employment generation and consequently poverty alleviation. It is no doubt that with the diversities available in India, we can harness the most positive benefits of tourism while at the same time preserving our culture and also conserving the environment.

While achieving the high growth of tourist’s arrivals, international as well as domestic, it should be our endeavour to ensure positive experiences for all the travellers. I am happy to note that the TAAI and its members are making a significant effort towards achieving synergised growth in the tourism sector.

I am sure that the TAAI annual convention will provide an ideal forum for participants to interact and deliberate on issues of common interest and to formulate strategies for the development and promotion of tourism.

Praful Patel Minister of state for civil aviation (independent charge), government of India

I am glad to know that TAAI will be organising its 53rd annual convention from September 24-27, 2004. The venue for TAAI ie Kolkata is itself significant since national bodies and associations now must focus unadulterated attention towards the eastern region which continues to remain somewhat isolated from the main travel and tourism beats of the country.

TAAI, representing a membership of over 1,800 members across the nation, plays a vital role in deliberating on the challenges facing the industry and suggesting possible solutions to remove roads block in order to streamline the business of travel and tourism.