Established in 1951, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) celebrates 75 years of leadership, trust and service to India’s travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Over the decades, TAAI has continued to serve as an important platform for travel professionals, championing industry interests, building partnerships and adapting to the evolving needs of the sector. The milestone celebration reflects its enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of India’s travel and tourism landscape. TAAI will mark a significant milestone in its journey with the 69th TAAI Convention & Exhibition, scheduled to take place from October 25 to 27 at ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata. The convention will bring together around 900 delegates and industry leaders from across India.
Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI
TAAI’s 75th anniversary is a significant milestone for all of us. We are celebrating this landmark occasion alongside the 69th TAAI Convention and Exhibition in Kolkata, with the main anniversary celebrations scheduled for October 26, 2026. Although we initially considered holding the celebrations beyond India, we decided to host them within the country on the advice of our honourable Prime Minister. The theme of this year’s convention is Empowering Evolution. It is about encouraging our member companies and stakeholders to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry. Staying relevant requires us to change our habits, rethink our approaches and embrace new technologies, including artificial intelligence. This process of continuous adaptation is what we call evolution, and we need to empower that evolution to remain competitive and deliver better business outcomes.
The convention will bring together learning, celebration and fellowship. It will offer opportunities for professional development and knowledge-sharing while allowing members to reconnect with colleagues across the industry. We want delegates to experience both the intellectual value of the convention and the excitement of celebrating this important milestone together.
Lokesh Bettaiah, Vice President, TAAI
The three-day event will feature keynote sessions by global visionaries and industry pioneers, alongside practical masterclasses on artificial intelligence in travel marketing, sustainable tourism and risk management. Delegates will also have opportunities to connect with over 700 agency owners, tour operators, aviation professionals, hospitality leaders and representatives from state and international tourism boards through business networking sessions and evening galas.
The convention will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and business development, encouraging industry stakeholders to navigate change and embrace new possibilities. Emphasising the importance of collective growth, TAAI’s theme calls upon the industry to face challenges with confidence, pursue innovation and work together towards a dynamic future for Indian travel and tourism.
Shreeram Patel, Secretary General, TAAI
Over the past 75 years, I have seen TAAI evolve from a pioneering association representing travel agents into one of India’s most respected and influential voices in the travel and tourism industry. Our journey reflects the dedication, resilience and unity of generations of travel professionals who have contributed to shaping India’s travel trade. TAAI has consistently adapted to changing industry dynamics, championed members’ interests, strengthened relationships with airlines, tourism boards and other stakeholders, and created platforms for networking, learning and business growth. Our greatest strength has always been our members and our collective commitment to the profession.
Looking ahead, TAAI is focused on embracing technology and artificial intelligence, empowering the next generation of travel professionals, enhancing members’ competitiveness and advocating policies that support sustainable industry growth. As we celebrate this historic milestone, our vision is to make TAAI more dynamic, inclusive and future-ready, while preserving the values and legacy that have guided us for 75 remarkable years.
Vijay Mohan Raj, Chairman, TAAI Hyderabad
Having been a member of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) for more than two decades, I feel privileged to contribute to the welfare of travel agents in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as Chairman-Elect for the 2027–2028 term, in this landmark 75th year of the association. The travel industry is navigating challenging times, particularly due to the West Asia crisis, with serious uncertainties surrounding the survival and sustainability of businesses.
In this situation, it is essential to bring member travel agents together, strengthen unity and make TAAI’s role even more significant. There is a pressing need to bring the various segments of the tourism industry under a common umbrella and work towards greater organisation and coordination. While this is an ambitious undertaking, a structured approach, supported by appropriate policies and regulatory mechanisms, could help create a more sustainable environment in which both small and large travel agents can survive and grow. As TAAI completes 75 years and looks towards the future, I hope these critical issues will remain a priority. I congratulate the Association on reaching this remarkable milestone and look forward to contributing meaningfully to its continued growth, following in the footsteps of the many leaders who have served the industry over the years.
Mariyamma Jose, Chairperson, TAAI Kerala
The 75th anniversary of TAAI is a truly special occasion for all of us in the travel and tourism fraternity. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honour not only the association’s growth but also the dedication, friendships, sacrifices, and collective efforts of generations who have shaped its journey. On this proud occasion, we pause to remember with deep respect the pioneers and senior members who envisioned a strong and united travel trade. Through their determination, leadership, and unwavering commitment, they laid the foundation of the wonderful association we are privileged to be part of today. Their contribution will always remain an important chapter in TAAI’s history. We are grateful for the path they created and proud to continue the legacy they entrusted to us.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to the 69th TAAI Convention & Exhibition in Kolkata. This gathering is much more than an industry event; it is an opportunity for our TAAI family to reconnect, celebrate our achievements, exchange experiences, and strengthen the bonds that unite us. I hope each delegate will return home with fresh ideas, valuable knowledge, meaningful friendships, and wonderful memories. The convention also gives us an opportunity to embrace the vision of our Prime Minister, “Dekho Apna Desh.” As travel professionals, we have a special responsibility to encourage people to discover the extraordinary treasures of India. Our country offers an incredible combination of heritage, spirituality, nature, cuisine, culture, and hospitality. By promoting domestic tourism, we can help travellers appreciate the richness of our own land while contributing to local communities and the nation’s economic growth.