`Bringing TAAI To Kolkata Was A Real Challenge’

Sanjoy Sett, chairman, TAAI- eastern region and Manoj Saraf, secretary, TAAI- eastern region, speak to Joy Roy Choudhury, about the challenges in bringing TAAI to Kolkata after a nine-year gap

The 53rd TAAI Annual Convention would be held in Kolkata after a gap of nine years. In the last couple of years the Travel Agents' Association of India (TAAI)- eastern region has played a significant role in promotion of both inbound & outbound tourism in the region. "Though the membership of TAAI (Eastern Region) has grown over the years, it is still very small in comparison to other regions. But still, members have taken interest in the activities of the association and promoting the region as a whole. Today, we are delighted that our hard work has yielded results,” expressed a relieved and elated Sanjoy Sett, chairman, TAAI- eastern region and chairman of the oganising Committee, TAAI.

Though the venue would be the ITC Sonar Bangla, the inaugural ceremony will be held at the nearby Science City Auditorium. The West Bengal chief minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee is expected to officially inaugurate the convention. Speaking about the convention and its importance for the region, Sett said, "Bringing the convention to Kolkata was a real challenge. We are working hard to overcome irritants to make the event a success. In this regard it will not be an exaggeration to mention that the support, co-operation and assurances received from the state chief minister and the state administration. Their support encouraged us to push hard to bring the convention back to Kolkata. Speaking on the future initiatives of the TAAI Eastern Region, he said, "It is vital for members to be active and prepare to face the challenges of the new economy. Today, single window concept is gaining popularity. Hence it would be vital to train the employees as per the current needs."

Manoj Saraf, secretary, TAAI- eastern region and secretary of the organising committee, TAAI further expressed, "The travel & tourism industry specially the aviation sector in the region has picked up lately following a flurry of industrial activities in the State, mainly in the information technology (IT) sector. Bookings of airlines have grown up in the recent times and if this momentum is maintained then we are sure that the industry can touch a double-digit growth rate. TAAI will give us an opportunity to 'market' the potentials of the State."

He further added that, "During the course of the convention, we will urge foreign airline companies to increase their frequency and flights from Kolkata as we feel that there is ample scope for them to grow in this area.” Apart from a focussed session on the north-east, a business session will be held on usage of technology and automation in the travel & tourism industry. Commenting on the future plans of the TAAI- eastern region, Saraf said, "We will continue our dialogues with the airline companies and hoteliers of the region to promote the region and state administration.”