UFTAA

UFTAA World Congress aims to unite and consolidate

EH Staff - New Delhi

Hotel Ashok, the venue for the 40th UFTAA World Congress

The adage 'better late than never' goes well with UFTAA World Congress, which is being held in India after a big gap of 22 years. The aim of the United Federation of Travel Agents Association (UFTAA) World Congress 2006 to be held from 15th to 19th of this month in New Delhi is to unite and consolidate the national associations of travel agents in various countries and enhance the interests of their members.

India playing host to the 40th World Congress is significant on two counts. Firstly it marks the completion of four decades of UFTAA's mission as an international forum addressing matters affecting the world travel and tourism industry and representing the interests of tour operators and travel agents before government bodies, suppliers and other entities across the globe. It also aims to strengthen its members' image and enhance the world travel and tourism industry. Secondly, the Congress is being held at a time when tourism in India is on upswing and will felicitate a veteran and founding member of the federation, Jimmy Guzder.

The theme of the Congress this year is "UFTAA Experience - 40 Years of Dynamic Professionalism." The event to be held in the capital's premier hotel, Ashok will be attended by over 250 agents from around 40 countries and over 500 travel agents and tour operators from India. The organising committee also expects a high level of participation from ministers and decision makers at the event. Through this Congress, UFTAA will also make an attempt to promote India as a varied destination with rich tourism potential. Apart from the various business sessions, there will be a competition called `Market Innovation Competition.' The annual general meeting and the elections for the new president and the executive committee will be held on the last day of the Congress.

"Since 2006 marks the 40th year of UFTAA's inception, the decision to award the Congress to India is a hallmark for us. The idea is to make this Congress a perfect networking opportunity for both international as well as Indian delegates. Through this Congress we want to open new vistas of tourism for our clients and tourists alike. What we are trying to achieve through this event is a platform for the industry to network, interact and exchange ideas so that it results in a huge influx of tourists. At the same time we are showcasing India in a big way,"stated Rajinder Rai, Chairman, Organising Committee, UFTAA Congress and honorary secretary general, TAAI.

The committee of TAAI was instrumental in securing the status of host nation for India for the UFTAA World Congress at the UFTAA congress held in May this year at Istanbul.

According to Ashwini Kakkar, President TAAI, the Congress will present the face of tourism surge currently witnessed by India. In India UFTAA is represented by three associations namely, TAAI, IAAI and TAFI.