The India Travel Trade Expo (ITTE) was held on 6th and 7th of August in Mumbai. The much awaited event of TAAI has been reckoned to as one of the biggest travel expos and the first of its kind to provide a unique platform for building tourism industry, networking and building businesses and has been esteemed to be on par with WTM and ITB in reach and importance. The expo showcasing all segments of this sector including outbound and inbound tourism. was inaugurated by Mr Avinash Dhakne , Joint Managing Director, MTDC and Sujata Thakur, Regional Director, Western India, India Tourism. The ITTE initiative is just another feather in the cap for TAAI which has persevered for furthering the tourism industry in India. The tourism industry in India is likely to soar up to almost USD 275.5 million dollars with an average growth of 9.4 percent over the next 10 years. While this estimate of the TSA is likely to contribute to 6.1 percent to India’s GDP, it is also bound to create almost 40 million jobs by 2018. In this light the ITTE initiative is a significant ray of hope.

The event also happens to coincide with the ‘Visit Golden Maharashtra’ promotion campaign in which TAAI has been proactive in commemorating 50 golden years of Maharashtra. With ITTE being hosted in Mumbai, it provides an additional impetus to boost the Maharashtra tourism industry. At this juncture, ITTE is not designed be state-centric. It is aimed at propelling a holistic development in the tourism industry of India.

Day 1 of ITTE event hosted an interesting CEO Conclave, followed by sessions on inbound and outbound tourism on day 2.. The sessions addressed the challenges faced by the industry and the outcome of the discussions are to be submitted as a WHITE PAPER to the Central Government highlighting the operational problems like Service tax and airline commissions. B2B exhibition, MICE, Medical tourism and other infrastructure related activities will also constitute the important auxiliaries of the meet.. Mr Iqbal Mulla, Chairman- ITTE 2010, says, “ The expo would be a golden opportunity to establish new customer contacts, create vital space for strategic partnerships and build a long term business relationships."

TAAI TRAVEL AWARDS 2010

Travel Agency Members vote for TAAI Industry Awards

The prestigious TAAI Travel Awards were given away on 6th August, 2010 at Taj”s Land End, at 7 pm in Mumbai amidst a crowd of over 500 travel and tourism officials, to recognize the contribution made by the airlines, hotels spas, Technology Providers, Tourism Organizations, etc. “Launched in Dubai last year this event saw newer awards across the airlines and hotel industries,” said Mr. Sunil Kumar Chairman, TAAI Travel Awards.” TAAI in its capacity as leaders in Travel & Tourism Industry for close to 60 years has taken up the responsibility to organize this Annual Event to award the “Best in the Travel & Tourism Industry”. added Mr Kumar. TAAI is holding the 2010 Travel Awards in India to enable larger participation of its Membership and prominent leaders of the Industry representing Airlines, Hotels, Tourism Boards, Technology Partners, Allied Services etc."

Chief Guest Shri Chhagan Bhujbal, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, " I am happy to learn that Travel Agents Association of India is an ever growing organisation which is currently enjoying membership of 2500 companies with staff strength of over 15 lakhs people. It is a matter of pride that your Association is spread all over India and overseas as well. I am told that your Association is representing all that is professional, ethical and dynamic in our nation’s Travel and Tourism activities. I hope that the growth of tourism, a sector which is second largest foreign exchange earner for the country will be reflected strongly in the choice of this years Awards, along with those that have created Tourism ripples. I also hope that your Association will continue the tradition of Reliability and Professionalism in service. I once again congratulate all the award winners who are honouring to recognize and acknowledge their contribution in the filed of Travel and Tourism."

The objectives for the TAAI TRAVEL AWARDS 2010 program include:

a) To recognize outstanding contributions to the development and
promotion of travel and tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner

b) To celebrate and encourage efforts of leading organizations in the
Indian travel, tourism and hospitality industry.

c) To promote innovation and visibility in our practices that
enhances the esteem of Travel Industry and support India Inc.

d) To motivate outstanding participation in promoting “Destination
India” and spearheading its popularity, globally

At last year’s glittering event TAAI awarded Mr PRS Oberoi with the Life Achievement Award. This year the prestigious award went to Mr Naresh Goyal, Chairman of Jet Airways.
The awards were given in following order:

Category Winner

Hotels : Resort / Spa of the Year- Ananda – In the Himalayas
Hotels : Budget / Value Hotel Chain of the Year- GINGER HOTELS
Hotels : Luxury / Deluxe Hotel Chain of the Year- Taj Group of Hotels
State Tourism Board of the Year- Maharashtra Tourism
International Tourism Organization of the Year- Dubai Tourism Board
Global Distribution System : GDS of the Year- Amadeus
Inbound Tour Operator of the Year- Thomas Cook (India)
Outbound Tour Operator of the Year- Kuoni - SOTC
America Based International Airline of the Year- Continental Airlines
Europe Based International Airline of the Year- Lufthansa Airlines
Middle East Based International Airline of the Year- Emirates
Asia Based International Airline of the Year- Singapore Airlines
Domestic Low Cost Airline of the Year- Indigo Airlines
Domestic Full Service Airline of the Year- Kingfisher Airlines
International Airline of the Year – Economy Class- Emirates
International Airline of the Year – Premier Classes- Emirates
TAAI President’s Award- Mr. Amitabh Kant
Lifetime Achievement Award- Mr. Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways