TAFI Convention 2007

'Agents have the power to make a difference'

Anupama Sushil - New Delhi

"Unity is the watchword," said Praveen Chugh, president of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) when asked about the measures that would make the future of the travel agents more secure. He added that airlines and agents have shared a symbiotic relationship for years. Some airlines, however, seem to have forgotten that over 80 per cent of their sales are generated by travel agents. We need to get the relationship back on track through a healthy dialogue so that both parties can again appreciate the value the other brings to the table.

According to Chugh, change is constant in the travel world and each convention is different in it's own way since the issues keep changing constantly. With its theme of 'Drive the Change - Stay on Top', he asserts, the message is clear - agents today have the power to make a difference. "It is time to take charge of our destiny and drive change in a manner that creates a win-win situation for all - agents, airlines and our passengers," he said. The sessions will address immediate worries of technology as a threat, travel agents being the ultimate solution to finding out if the boom is real or a myth will help provide a road map for the future and suggest strategies to keep the members/agents one step ahead, he explained.

Chugh added that TAFI realises the importance of creating a platform for the entire industry so that we can come together and make our voice heard in the government corridors and have a say in policy formulation. To do that he adds, "We have opened up our membership to non-IATA agents also who will join us as affiliate members. ETAA, the only recognised association of non-IATA agents, has thrown in its lot with TAFI and their members - who are joining TAFI as affiliate members - will be present in strength at the convention."