Reviving the Spirit of Travel: TAAPI Travel Expo Sets New Standards
It is tough to survive in today's highly competitive travel industry, more so in times of downturn when even the survival of small travel agents hangs in the balance. Stepping into the fray, therefore, the Travel Agent Association of Pan India (TAAPI) has lent them a helping hand, or rather, a lifeline. The TAAPI Travel Expo was organised from August 2, 2024, to August 4, 2024, at Science Centre, Surat, with an aim to keep the big and small travel agents in the market.
The Expo was formally inaugurated by former MP Darshana Jardosh; President, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, Vijay Mewawala; Vice President, Nikhil Madrasi, and President of Federations of Surat Textile Trusts Association (FOSTA), Kailash Hakeem. By cutting the ribbon and lighting the ceremonial lamp, they marked the opening of the exposition.
Darshana Jardosh gave valuable inputs on tourism development and shared her views that our country’s natural beauty should be fully enjoyed. Vijay Mewawala assured the delegation that he was fully committed to taking up the matter of the tourist trade at higher levels. He promised to support the organising of big travel expos in times to come. Nikhil Madrasi also responded positively and assured the delegation that the Chamber of Commerce would always stand strongly by the tourism industry.
The first day was exclusive to travel agents only, with the participation of 60 Destination Management Companies (DMCs), both domestic and international. The DMCs presented their tourist offerings and utilised further opportunities for networking with more than 450 local travel agents for more business relationships. On the next two days, the 3rd and 4th of August, it opened to the public. There were over 1,200 travel enthusiasts, and it was attended by more than 50 local travel agents representing some of the country’s major brands that turn up to showcase their respective travel and tour packages.
According to TAAPI President Vinesh Shah, events like this are necessary for revamping tourism. The expo ensured that the smaller agents remained afloat while giving the public proper information on several tours.
While concluding the event, Vice-President Jignesh Patel pointed out that the event was designed for general visitors and trade people as well. He further expressed confidence in organising bigger and better events in times to come. The expo ended with a lucky draw for the general visitors. Announcements of winners of 2-night to 5-night tour packages to destinations like Goa, Shimla, Manali, Dubai, Vietnam, etc., brought the event to an exciting finish.
