TAAI Aims To Be `Zara Hatke’

Anindita Chattopadhyay - New Delhi

Though the basic format of business sessions coupled with cocktails and late night raves stays, the annual TAAI convention, promises to be different in look and feel. It will be a more professional, serious and glamourous affair with a new chairman of the convention committee Vijay Chadda at the helm of affairs. While Roshan Abbas of (Master Card Family Fortune and Zee Cine Star ki Khoj fame) will present the show, management guru Shiv Khera will dole out gyan on how to become a winner by managing business differently. “We are introducing a new element in terms of conducting the convention. It will be a mix of serious industry matters and fun”, said Vijay Chadha adding in the same breath, "the aim is to offer agents a holistic benefit by addressing industry issues, business issues and personal development." Apart from Khera, the list of speakers includes industry experts and heavyweights from India and abroad such as Ranjit Malkani, the CEO of Singapore Tourism Board, the head of marketing of Swiss Tourism Board, head of one of the largest international airport, India expert Mark Tully. The keynote speaker will be Rono Datta, president, Air Sahara.

The theme of the convention is India Unbound. "The theme focuses on the growth in every segment of travel and how agents can harness the potential of India by availing of opportunities present in terms of travel and tourism," explained Chadha. Sessions have been planned around this idea. Global trends and opportunities, Civil aviation policy initiative, Winners don't do different things, they do it differently, Showcasing of north-east states and a surprise business session. In an effort to influence policy makers, plan is to create a white paper on civil aviation and take it forward. Chadha is expecting over 1,500 delegates this year. When asked to comment on the usually poor attendance at business sessions, Chadha said, "Late night parties lead to empty chairs, but late night parties are a reality. Hence, we have decided to start the sessions late, around 10 am." Ask Chadha why Kolkata, pat comes the reply, "West Bengal was very keen about showcasing the potential of the state and North-east states. Further, the state government has given some monetary grant to cover part of the expenses, while N-E states are sponsoring a lunch."