TAFI announces its Convention in Sarawak, Looks Set to Host 700 Plus Agents; Tourism Malaysia Proves Pro-active in Catching the Indian Outbound Rush, Post Pandemic.

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has taken the lead in pushing for tourism to bounce back. Its theme is appropriate to Build Again and Better! The convention promises to achieve these objectives given the enthusiasm in the industry to start doing business again.

TAFI has taken the lead in announcing its annual convention post the pandemic. Earlier in the year, TAAI had to cancel its convention in Colombo at the last minute, with a spate of events unrolling making the event impossible to be held.

After a gap of four years, The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has announced its Convention at Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia this September from 20th to 23rd 2022. The theme of the convention is BUILD BACK BETTER.

The theme is most appropriate as it signals equally the resolve of Malaysia not only to build back, but to also partner with Indian authorities. It also signals the position of the Indian Outbound as a robust and reliable entity for global tourism recovery.

Elaborating on the theme, President Ajay Prakash said, “As we seek recovery post-COVID, it is vital that the tourism industry does not forget the lessons of the Pandemic. As one of the biggest Global Industries, the power of Tourism to shape the world is phenomenal. It can be a powerful force for doing good, not only for the stake holders but for the entire world. Build Back Better encapsulates the resolve to rebuild Tourism in a more responsible and sustainable manner.”

Commenting on the choice of Destination, the Convention Chairman Mr. Seeraj Singh Sabharwal said “Sarawak is a relatively unexplored Destination for the Indian Traveller. Sarawak is an excellent destination for Family Travel, Honeymooners, MICE, Weddings and the Film Industry. TAFI has often organised conventions in Unique and Unusual locations to expand the portfolio of Travel Agents & Tour Operators of INDIA.”

Deputy Chairman Jigar Dudakiya further commented on the choice of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK): “with its state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, BCCK is the first International purpose-built Convention Centre in Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia. The Convention Centre can host up to 5000 people with uninterrupted WIFI internet services for up to 8000 simultaneous users.

The TAFI Convention is supported by Tourism Malaysia, Sarawak Tourism Board, Business Events Sarawak, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo (now rechristened Batik) and Air Asia.

Presently, no Indian carrier is on board, considering traffic rights to Sarawak are limited to flights out of KL only. Connecting fares would therefore be a problem but this can all be circumvented given the enthusiasm among the industry to start business again. Estimates suggest some 700/800 delegates given the fact that delegates can opt for complimentary pre and post tours to other parts of Malaysia. One can expect an adrenal type effect on Indian numbers to the destination considering this first of its kind promotion for the Indian outbound market. 

TAFI, The Premier Association of Travel Agents in INDIA, organises Workshops, Seminars & Conventions for their members in different parts of the WORLD and INDIA and preference is given to destinations where TAFI members can offer some new options to their clients for Leisure Travel, MICE or Weddings. Each destination has experience an exponential growth in numbers after every TAFI Convention.

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) with a Membership of more than 1400 Tour Operators and Travel Agents account for approximately 70% of all Outbound Travel from India.

“There is palpable excitement among our Membership since a Convention is happening after 4 years and TAFI Conventions are always eagerly awaited. We expect an excellent turnout of delegates and Speakers. Sarawak is at the forefront of responsible, sustainable eco-tourism and is the ideal destination to begin our journey to BUILD – BACK – BETTER” concluded President Ajay Prakash.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *