Three Days That Redefined Excellence.
A Legacy That Inspires the Future.
The 75-Year Celebrations of TAAI, alongside the 69th TAAI Convention & Exhibition – Indian Travel Congress 2026, will be remembered as a defining milestone in the history of the Association.
It elevated TAAI’s image and standing, generated tremendous excitement across the travel and tourism fraternity, delivered the largest-ever B2B platform at a TAAI Convention, and brought together three extraordinary days of knowledge, business, networking, celebration and hospitality. With two days of focused knowledge sessions, a vibrant India Travel and Tourism Expo, prestigious commemorative awards, and three spectacular evenings, the Convention surpassed expectations on every front.
There were over 750 attendees, including delegates, guests and exhibitors. This convention was delivered at a LEVEL ABOVE and in a record time of less than 5 weeks. It made the entire TAAI fraternity proud and earned the admiration of our esteemed industry leaders, media and delegates alike. In its scale, presentation, engagement and execution, it established itself as an event of the decade and set a formidable new benchmark for future industry conventions.
Day 1 – THE OPENING CEREMONY
The Opening Ceremony delivered the first major surprise, astonishing delegates with the quality, uncompromising top-class setup and grandeur of the entire decor. The spectacular presentation, meticulous production and pulsating entertainment immediately established the extraordinary character of the Convention. The Band at the opening – Sajda Boys were simply incredible, captivating the audience with their energetic musical performance, while the charming dance performers of Bengal Beauty added colour, grace and cultural splendour to the evening. The opening night was a powerful statement of intent: TAAI’s 75-year milestone would be celebrated on a scale worthy of its remarkable legacy.
Day 2 – THE 75 YEARS CELEBRATION
The 75 Years Celebration exceeded every expectation. It was far more than a conventional anniversary event; it was an emotional, exhilarating and unforgettable celebration of the people and partnerships that have shaped TAAI over seven and a half decades. In a unique expression of togetherness, 75 cakes were cut by the delegates, transforming the occasion into a memorable spectacle of music, dance, camaraderie and collective pride. The magnificent Sundarban Lawns at ITC Sonar provided a breathtaking setting, while the grand arrangements and electrifying atmosphere reflected the importance of this historic milestone.
The large band – The Calcutta Choir- rocked the evening with pulsating music, adding another dimension to an already spectacular celebration. The festivities continued well into the night, followed by a midnight after-party that drew hundreds of delegates together. It was a celebration that brought generations of travel professionals closer, strengthened friendships and created memories that will endure for years. The evening belonged to TAAI, its members, its partners and everyone who has contributed to its extraordinary journey.
Day 3 – THE FAREWELL GALA
The Farewell Gala built magnificently on the excitement of the preceding two evenings, bringing the Convention to a spectacular close. It offered delegates one more opportunity to reconnect, strengthen business relationships, reinforce partnerships and celebrate three days of meaningful engagement and memorable experiences. The eclectic rock band Anarkyst kept the excitement alive throughout the evening, splendidly supported by the energetic dance performances of Bengal Beauty and BAD Salsa. An incredible DJ added to the celebratory atmosphere, ensuring that the final evening was every bit as vibrant as the opening and anniversary celebrations. It was a fitting finale to a Convention that seamlessly combined business, knowledge, relationships and entertainment and sent delegates home with renewed enthusiasm and lasting memories.
TAAI KNOWLEDGE SESSIONS
The two days of Knowledge Sessions were among the most substantive highlights of the Convention. Carefully focused on emerging trends, growing opportunities, changing business dynamics, and a lot on Artificial Intelligence and the evolving demands of the travel and tourism industry, the sessions brought delegates face-to-face with ideas and perspectives relevant to the future of their businesses.
The programme featured distinguished speakers and thought leaders through individual presentations, engaging panel discussions and virtual presentations from Israel, South Africa and the USA. This innovative approach enabled TAAI to bring international perspectives and expertise into the Convention, expanding the horizons of delegates beyond geographical boundaries.
The diversity of subjects, the quality of the speakers and the relevance of the discussions ensured that the sessions were not merely informative but genuinely thought-provoking. They encouraged travel professionals to embrace change, explore new approaches, leverage technology and prepare for emerging opportunities.
In recognition of their valuable contributions, the most impressive Thought Leader Awards were presented to the speakers. The Knowledge Sessions reinforced TAAI’s commitment to continuous learning, professional development and preparing its members for the future of travel and tourism.
TAAI B2B – INDIA TRAVEL AND TOURISM EXPO
The TAAI B2B – India Travel and Tourism Expo emerged as a defining business highlight of the Convention, creating the largest-ever B2B platform at a TAAI Convention. It brought the spirit of Connect – Collaborate – Celebrate to life by providing a vibrant meeting ground for travel professionals, tourism stakeholders and industry partners.
The Expo offered delegates a valuable opportunity to build new business relationships, strengthen existing partnerships, exchange ideas and explore opportunities across India’s diverse tourism landscape and the wider international travel market. It placed business engagement at the heart of the Convention, enabling participants to move beyond conversations towards meaningful professional connections.
The scale and energy of the B2B platform reflected the growing importance of collaboration in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving industry. It demonstrated TAAI’s ability to bring stakeholders together, facilitate engagement and create an environment in which partnerships can flourish.
The Expo was more than a business gathering; it was an expression of TAAI’s continuing role in strengthening the travel trade and opening new avenues for growth. The Exhibitors expressed their happiness with the large number of footfalls and partnerships that had taken place. This is a huge success that TAAI’s B2B, as always, offers huge value.
TAAI 75 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE AWARDS
The 75 Years Celebrations provided a fitting occasion to recognise the distinguished individuals, institutions, member companies and industry partners whose contributions have helped shape TAAI and the wider travel and tourism industry. The commemorative awards reflected the Association’s gratitude to those who have led, supported, strengthened and inspired its journey across generations.
TAAI Legends of Excellence Awards honoured exceptional industry leaders whose remarkable careers and enduring contributions have earned them admiration and respect. Their journeys represented the values of perseverance, leadership and professional excellence that continue to inspire the travel fraternity.
The prestigious Global Visionary Leadership Award was presented to Mr Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global, recognising his visionary leadership and an outstanding contribution to the global travel ecosystem.
Through a unique program, TAAI Pillars of Progress, TAAI acknowledged the vital role played by its partners and principals over 75 years, during which One Pillar is TAAI and the second is the Partner. A specially created video paid tribute to the airline partners, hospitality partners, including hotels and media partners whose support has been integral to the Association’s journey.
A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr Subhash Goyal, Managing Director, STIC Travels, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the travel and tourism industry.
The TAAI Legacy Awards honoured TAAI members whose association with the organisation spans 20 years and beyond. Particularly moving were the accounts shared by members whose companies have been associated with TAAI for over 50 years. Their recollections brought alive the history, friendships, challenges and achievements that have shaped the Association. The occasion was a heartfelt tribute to the enduring bond between TAAI and its members.
The Pride of TAAI Awards celebrated member companies for their distinctive achievements and contributions, which responded to the call from TAAI. The recognition also reflected the importance of third-generation leadership and the need to encourage younger professionals, particularly those below 40, to assume greater responsibilities within the Association. This vision underscores the importance of preparing a new generation of leaders who will carry TAAI’s legacy forward with fresh ideas, energy and ambition.
Together, these awards transformed the 75 Years Celebrations into an occasion of gratitude and recognition, honouring the past, appreciating the present and inspiring the future.
RECOGNISING LEADERSHIP IN TOURISM
The Convention was enriched by the presence and participation of government leaders, tourism officials, State Tourism Boards and overseas tourism authorities. Their engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration between the travel trade and public institutions in advancing India’s tourism ambitions. Dr Shankar Ghosh, Minister for Tourism, Government of West Bengal, delivered a memorable address and was presented with the TAAI Award of Excellence for his outstanding contribution.
Shri Kandula Durgesh, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, delivered an impactful address. His humility and message to delegates were deeply appreciated, and he was presented with the TAAI Award for Excellence in Tourism Leadership.
Shri Bhuvanesh Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Tourism, Government of India, delivered the keynote address, offering an eloquent and inspiring perspective that touched the audience. He was presented with the TAAI Award to acknowledge his leadership and contribution to the travel and tourism industry.
The Convention also recognised six states for their outstanding contribution to tourism promotion. The Most Outstanding States for Tourism Promotion awards were presented to (in alphabetical order)
- Andhra Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Madhya Pradesh
- West Bengal
These recognitions celebrated the states’ efforts to promote tourism, strengthen destination appeal and create opportunities for travel trade engagement. TAAI was honoured with the participation of various International Tourism authorities, including Sri Lanka Tourism & Promotion Bureau; Singapore Tourism Board; Tourism Malaysia; Israel Tourism; and DMCs representing other countries.
DISCOVERING WEST BENGAL AND THE NORTH EAST
The delegate tours across West Bengal and the North East added a distinctive dimension to the Convention experience. They allowed participants to discover the beauty of the region’s landscapes, its cultural richness and its immense tourism potential, destinations that may remain unfamiliar to many travel professionals despite their extraordinary appeal.
These experiences extended the Convention beyond the meeting rooms, exhibition spaces and gala evenings. They encouraged destination discovery, strengthened awareness of emerging tourism opportunities and opened possibilities for new itineraries, products and business partnerships.
The tours also highlighted the value of bringing the travel trade closer to destinations. By experiencing their attractions first-hand, delegates could appreciate the potential to promote these regions to a wider domestic and international audience.
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