At a time when the whole world is looking at India and China as the strongest tourism source markets , the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has taken a major step in bringing the two most powerful world economies closer in the field of tourism exchange. The 65th TAAI Convention in Kunming, China was a remarkable step in promoting ‘Tourism Beyond Boundaries.’ It will be remembered as the milestone event for the future Indo-China bilateral tourism ties.
As TAAI says, their Conventions are ‘the platform’ when it comes to creating new products and services and developing destinations; the recently concluded 65th TAAI Convention has definitely succeeded in putting Yunnan province and its capital Kunming in the tourism spotlight amongst the Indian travel trade. A truly exciting tourism destination, just a few hours flight from major Indian cities (two and half hours flight from Kolkata, about four hours flight from Delhi), endowed with modern tourism infrastructure and UNESCO sites and with great view of mountains, lakes and rich history and cultural heritage –Kunming, Dali, Yuxi, Lijiang, among others, in Yunnan province, are not just familiar and far more exposed to the India’s travel trade in the aftermath of TAAI Convention, but are also expected to be in the travel itinerary of a large number of Indian tour operators.
With a contour of eminent speakers who delved deep discussing and debating various industry issues, the convention also offered ample opportunity to the delegates to experience the destination firsthand and familiarize with the attractions available in Kunming and the larger Yunnan province.
The well attended business sessions addressed by the speakers such as Prof. John Koldowski – Professor and Foreign Expert in Tourism, Lavonne Wittman – President SKAL International, George Cao – Co-founder & CEO Dragon Trail Interactive, Yossi Fatel – Sr VP UFTA Chairman, AIR & IATA Matters, Kapil Bhatia – Executive Chairman InterGlobe Enterprises Ltd, Kapil Kaul – CEO India & ME at CAPA, Rodney D’cruz – Assistant Director IATA India Nepal & Bhutan, Ashish Gupta – Founder Strategy Pluto Consulting and Carl Vaz – Chairman & CEO Charson Advisory Services were very informative and interactive with the audience.
E. Mme. Li Malin, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, inaugurated the three-day long conference in the august presence of Li Bijian, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, He Ligui, Director General, Department of Department of Culture & Tourism of Yunnan Province, Official of Yunnan Province Tourism Development Commission (YPTDC), TAAI Executive Members and a large number of delegates from India and China. The 65th Convention and Exhibition of TAAI took place in Kunming – Capital City of Yunnan in China inaugurated in a glittering ceremony at the Haigeng Convention Centre.
While addressing the delegates, H. E. Mme. Li Malin said: “The annual conference of TAAI is a key measure for the two sides to promote tourism cooperation in a pragmatic way, and a significant step for better tomorrow for tourism cooperation. The Convention will be helpful for the two sides in exploring and extending the exchanges and cooperation in the field of tourism, aviation and hotels.”
“We hope that the two sides will grasp this precious opportunity, consolidate consensus and expand areas of cooperation to inject new impetus into the development and cooperation in the field of tourism between our two sides. I believe that with the joint efforts, this year’s annual conference is going to be a grand gathering of tourism cooperation, a new bright spot for social and people-to-people exchange between China and India, and to lay a more solid foundation of tourism for the two sides to create a better future,” she added.
According to her, both China and India are developing countries with rapid economies development, increased living standards of the people and a fast growing middle class group, which has created golden opportunities for tourism development. India has emerged as an important source market for China, while China is the potential market to send travellers to India.
After years’ development and construction Yunnan has become the most important tourist destination in Southwest China and attracts every year a large number of tourists to come here for sightseeing, leisure and vacation. The strategic position of the tourism industry in the national economy of the province has been enhanced a lot in past few years. In 2017, the province received total of 573 million domestic and foreign tourists to deliver a total revenue of 692.2 billion Yuan.
He Ligui, Director General, Department of Culture & Tourism of Yunnan Province said: “We hope that the convention will let more Indian travel agents to know about the tourism destinations of Yunnan. The large number of delegates will promote Yunnan, making positive efforts together with us for mutual development and realizing mutually beneficial cooperation between Yunnan and India in the field of tourism.”
Speaking on the importance of the Convention Li Bijian, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi said that TAAI Convention in Kunming will be a model platform for both of the countries. The future events (both countries) in the field of education, sports or cultural exchange will be inspired with the TAAI Convention taking place in Kunming.
Addressing the delegates at the inauguration of the convention, Sunil Kumar, President of TAAI said that the entire team of TAAI is very excited that they are in China. For the industry stakeholders, certainly this is a huge opportunity and one must optimize it. This event was possible due to the extensive discussions and design that was in progress for over a year. The 65th convention in Kunming is a historic event, since it is being held as huge tourism connect opportunity of two large countries of the world – India and China. For TAAI, in its 68 years, this is the first time that a TAAI Convention is being held in China.
“It’s important for me to make a commitment to the YPTDC that you have invited TAAI to Yunnan and believe you, Yunnan will be a most important household destination for every travel agency of our association. Our outbound to Yunnan shall multiply,” he added.
Sanjay Narula, Vice President of TAAI and Co-Chairman Convention said that this convention is the beginning of new chapter in the India-China relationship. This is going to play a critical role in the growth of tourism business between these two countries. Looking at the tourism scenario, India and China are the two most important and emerging economic powerhouses for the whole world apart from sharing a significant trade and politically cordial relationship.”
Apart from the knowledge sessions, the delegates will have a firsthand experience of the beautiful destinations such as Lijiang, Dali, Yuxi and Sleeping Beauty of Mountains. A total of 480 delegates and 21 media representatives participated at the convention.
Jyoti Mayal, Hony. Secretary General of TAAI presented the vote of thanks and said that TAAI welcomes delegate’s participation to experience and exploring the new beautiful destination of Kunming. “I am confident that all our member participants will bring back a lot of learning’s, fond and enjoyable memories, new avenues to diversify, and also act as Ambassadors of India to be able to generate inbound business.”
SECOND TAAI GOLF TOURNAMANT
TAAI continues with the Golf Tournament. In association with Yunnan Golf Association, Shenzhen Uni-top Industrial Company and Yunnan Society of China-India Cooperation of Exchange the ‘Sino-India TAAI Uni-top Golf Cup’ was conducted on November 27th 2018 at Kunming Dianchi Lake View Golf Club.
Elaborating more on this Rajan Sehgal, TAAI Managing Committee Member said: “We have started this initiative during our 64th convention in Srinagar. The purpose of this event is to promote sports tourism and golf is an integral part of it.” He informed that both sides have been agreed to conduct a yearly Golf Cup in India and China to increase the tourism activities between two countries.
