Lead Story

TAFI recognises sub-agents as affiliate members

But sub-agents still remains unclear about the deal

Jyoti Koul & Reema Sisodia

With a two-pronged objective to reach out to the large retail agent fraternity and at the same time encash on enrollment (fee) of sub-agents, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has perhaps become the only Indian travel industry association to recognise sub-agents as its affiliate members. TAFI has created a special category of membership for retail agents called the affiliate category. According to Praveen Chugh, president, TAFI, "The proposal to enroll sub-agents under the special member category had been mooted some time ago, but it was only in the recent past we started discussing the issue with our various chapters and the TAFI members, who agreed in endorsing the new enrollment."

Though TAFI has given its nod to this new partnership, the sub-agents fraternity which is represented by the association Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) has expressed concern about what would be the real benefits and privileges for the sub-agents through this new relationship.

Defining it as a win-win situation for both parties, TAFI wishes to create more business opportunities for its existing active members by bringing the sub-agents into its fold. "This move will give sub-agents a sense of belonging as well as responsibility. We all will agree that sub-agents are and vital part of the business chain and are our extended arm. Their role in supporting the growth of the industry should be recognised. Taking this step would broaden our base and make TAFI stronger by increasing our membership strength, subsequently bringing more revenue to TAFI," Chugh said.

There are about 20,000 retail agents against 2,370 IATA agents all over India. Commenting on the revenue generation of this membership scheme, Chugh informed, "Our aim is to only include 10 per cent of these 20,000 sub-agents. This would give us increased financial clout due to additional membership fees and make us the largest association, giving us the power and flexibility to deal with the changing scenario." Says Karl Dantas, president, Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA), "The initial suggestion to involve sub-agents as affiliate members was introduced by Zakkir Ahmed, former president, TAFI and later carried on by Praveen Chugh. But this entire initiative has been the brain child of Ajay Prakash, who is the honorary national general secretary of TAFI. In spite of opposition from certain IATA agents in Mumbai, I have been given to understand that through a national referendum there has been an overwhelming response on an all India basis from TAFI members to take in the sub-agents as affiliate members, which is according to me a commendable act and the need of the hour." Dantas continues, "However, there seems to be no clarity on what the sub-agent will gain by becoming an affiliate member of TAFI, as this has not been defined yet. I have been questioned by the ETAA members and other sub-agents as to why they should become affiliate members of TAFI and pay an entrance fee and annual membership fee without knowing the benefits and privileges. I have on my behalf conveyed it to the members that I am yet to hear from TAFI on this issue."

Answers Ajay Prakash, honorary national secretary general, TAFI, "The most immediate tangible and visible benefit would be to integrate the agent in the main stream of the travel industry. Increased interaction with IATA agents and airlines by virtue of meetings, seminars conventions, and participating in these would bring its own benefits. Professional consultation on business matters, such as government requirements, service tax, income tax etc, a data base and access to professional services would definitely benefit the sub-agents fraternity at large. But finally I would like to say that this is just the beginning. Where this relationship goes and what form it takes will depend on the inputs of both parties. It brings a large segment of the travel trade on the same platform and according to me this is a win-win situation."